There are some top hookers in the Betfred Super League at the moment and Wigan Warriors and Catalans Dragons legend Sam Tomkins has ranked his five best number nines.
There list is as follows:
1. Michael McIlorum (Catalans Dragons)
2. Daryl Clark (St Helens)
3. Edwin Ipape (Leigh Leopards)
4. Andy Ackers (Leeds Rhinos)
5. Danny Walker (Warrington Wolves)
The stand out selection there is the naming of his former teammate Michael McIlorum at number one.
Tomkins explained on Sky Sports: “Mickey’s certainly the heartbeat for the Catalan Dragons. You know I’ve had the luxury of playing with Mickey for a long, long time. And what he does, you know, he’s a leader. People follow him. He sets the tone for your defence. He’s not the quickest. He’s not the youngest. But what he still does, he changes how teams play through the way he defends.
“People don’t want to run at him. You know, very often, a hooker is what we call a spot player, somebody in the middle’s want to get over. Well, no Mickey. Mickey is not that guy. He is impossible to intimidate.”
Our five best Super League hookers
Credit: Imago Images
In light of Tomkins’ picks, we have taken a look at our own rankings which are as follows:
1. Andy Ackers (Leeds Rhinos)
2. Edwin Ipape (Leigh Leopards)
3. Danny Walker (Warrington Wolves)
4. Daryl Clark (St Helens)
5. Brad O’Neill (Wigan Warriors)
Andy Ackers takes the number one spot because in many ways he is the complete number nine in the modern game. Tomkins spoke about defence and Andy Ackers is terrific in defence as well.
The former Salford Red Devils star has beautifully crisp distribution which can be the difference between a good hooker and a great one but he also has great vision and a dynamic running game.
Number two is taken by Edwin Ipape who was named in the Dream Team last year and is simply electric. Number three is taken by perhaps the most underrated nine in the league Danny Walker. An excellent threat out of dummy half and a decent kicker.
Daryl Clark gets fourth but if his new found form at St Helens continues he could climb back up the rankings.
Brad O’Neill completes the rankings given the way he has matured at Wigan over the last 12 months.
