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
4. Reece Robson
Prior to the State of Origin series, Reece Robson may have been the form hooker of the competition. Top three at absolute worst.
Unfortunately he, and truthfully the entire Cowboys side, fell away late on and largely limped to the finish.
That said, Robson comfortably rates in the elite number nines for 2023. He was very much worthy of his Origin call up and looks set to become a NSW regular over the next few years.
His 23 games for the Cowboys netted two tries, three try assists, six line-break assists, three forced drop outs, almost 70 run metres per game and a tackle percentage of over 92%.
