Jamie Jones-Buchanan names the five best hookers in Super League

Leeds Rhinos and Super League legend Jamie Jones-Buchanan played with some outstanding hookers throughout his career.

Matt Diskin, Australia skipper Danny Buderus, Man of Steel Paul McShane and the record holder for tries in a Super League season from a hooker in the shape of Matt Parcell.

That was just who he played with at club level. he played with the likes of James Roby and others in the international stage.

So who makes his top five current Super League hookers? His ranking on Sky Sports was:

1. Edwin Ipape (Leigh Leopards)
2. Daryl Clark (St Helens)
3. Andy Ackers (Leeds Rhinos)
4. Matt Parcell (Hull KR)
5. Chris Atkin (Salford Red Devils)

He explained his rankings, which included two players who aren’t starting nines at their club, by saying:

“Edwin Ipapa, I just think when he’s playing well that’s when Leigh are exceptional. He’s got both sides of the game. He can run really strong, difficult to bring down, tears the middles apart and he gets out off the defensive line, runs at the defence, knocks the dust off people.

“We’ve already talked about Andy Ackers, the way he brings in plays and links with other players and it’s the same with Daryl Clark.

“I think Matt Parcell for me is just a conniving player, really smart, watch his opposition and he can undo you just through using his mind.

“And for me again, I mentioned that, Chris Atkin, you need a player who can come off the bench, make a difference.”

Alternate top five Super League hookers

In response to Buchanan’s controversial ranking of the top five hookers in Super League we have put together our own.

Andy Ackers takes the number one spot with the England international being the most complete hooker in both organising, running and defence with Daryl Clark not far behind him.

In third place is the 2023 Super League Dream Team hooker Edwin Ipape who is as explosive as they come in the Betfred Super League.

The criminally underrated Brad O’Neill takes fourth and England international Jez Litten fills out our list.

1. Andy Ackers (Leeds Rhinos)
2. Daryl Clark (St Helens)
3. Edwin Ipape (Leigh Leopards)
4. Brad O’Neill (Wigan Warriors)
5. Jez Litten (Hull KR)