With the off-season comes the usual troupes.
Talk of expansion, the divisions talk, player movements and of course post-season rankings.
Today we're here to focus on the rankings. More specifically, the NRL hooker rankings from 2023.
Please keep in mind that these rankings are based only on 2023. Both NRL and Origin performances will be taken into account. Not specifically who is the best hooker outright.
Before we start, I'm going to take a moment to answer some of the usual questions to appear in the comments to any sort of rankings.
Do I even watch football? Yes, every game.
Are my eyes painted on? No. That would be funny though.
Who am I? Just a fan.
With that said, below are the top 10 NRL hookers based purely and totally on 2023:
Hon Mention: Phoenix Crossland
7. Blayke Brailey
I'm here to fully admit that I am torn almost right down the middle on Blayke Brailey. Half the Sharks fan base loves him, the other not so much.
On one hand he won the Sharks player of the year award yet on the other hand he ignored Nicho Hynes, who called for the ball with a massive overlap in an elimination Final.
Across his 25 games for the Sharks in 2023 he scored just the one try but did set up 10. He also had nine line break assists, two forced drop outs, 46 run meteres per game and tackled at 92%.
Brailey has all the attributes to become a truly elite hooker. He has shown signs. My belief is if we don't start seeing it consistently in 2024, it my never come.
