Ahh, the life of an NRL number nine.
Make your 50 tackles. Better not miss any. Tired marker? You better be running the ball!
Today we round out the end-of-year positional rankings by looking at the numbers nines.
As always, this is a list of based purely on 2025 performances and isn't just a blanket top ten list in the position.
Below are the top 10 hookers from the 2025 season:
Honourable Mention: Reece Robson
6. Apisai Koroisau
Everyone is aware of Apisai Koroisau's talents on the football field, but he doesn't get enough credit for the fact he'll do literally anything for his side.
The fact that he was willing to come off the bench to allow a change-up, move into the halves or defend at lock, says a lot about the veteran superstar.
Koroisau's 22 games this year saw him score three tries, provide three try assists, run for over 50 metres per game and tackle at 90%.
Even in those games where the Tigers were battered, Koroisau was the one making that last-ditch effort or creating the late chance. Probably should have played Origin this year.
I’d drop Starling below Api and Walters; in fact I think I’d have Api at #3 in the rankings. It’s hard to look good in a team that isn’t going well, but he managed it.
Nah, I think Starling has been better than Walters.