Hooker is one of the most crucial positions on the rugby league field and that’s been evidenced of late by Wigan Warriors recruiting former Leeds Rhinos’ captain Kruise Leeming, Warrington Wolves’ Daryl Clark heading to St Helens and also the standout performances from Leigh Leopards’ Edwin Ipape.
The job of the hooker is to be the heartbeat of the team and they play an essential role in creating quick play the ball, and at times are incredibly dangerous running from dummy-half.
One man who can do all of that is Hull KR’s Matt Parcell with the veteran Australian shining in Super League for the Robins.
Parcell moved from Leeds ahead of the 2020 season having had a short spell on loan at Craven Park in 2019 and since that move he’s been one of the best in the league.
His job has also seen him help develop young hooker Jez Litten with the pair often rotating in the scheme under Willie Peters.
Parcell has now given huge plaudits to Litten detailing the relationship between them, and even touting the England debutant for huge things.
“In the past Jez and I have probably been on the field a bit more together. We still are in stages presently, but probably more consistently before.
“So the way Willie wants to do it is sort of more have one hooker on at once and then sometimes have both of us. But yeah, Jez is an awesome player, an unbelievable player.
“It’s just about whatever’s best for the team and whatever Willie decides really. So I just go out there and do my best.
“If I play 80 minutes, I play 80 minutes. If I play 50 minutes, I play 50. It’s just go out there and do my best.”
Parcell referenced Litten’s earlier England call-up and expressed how there was scope for him to make that jersey his own.
“Yeah, as I said he’s unbelievable. He should have some very high goals. I think the big focus with that England call up is to become England number nine I think in the future.
“I think there’s probably a bit of a vacant spot at the moment and over the next few years it might be a competition between a few of the guys.
“If he continues on the trajectory then he’s definitely got a good shot at being the England number nine.”
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