As I was looking at the hooker options last week, I was almost vomiting having a look at some of these guys- thankfully, the hooker position should be a little less shit as they appear to be the big winner of the new scoring format SuperCoach has decided to go with. The majority of hookers appear to be 5 points better players, with 3rd man tackles now counting towards SuperCoach scores. Let’s run through the best of a bad bunch here
1. Harry Grant
The number 1 option at hooker despite a down year in 2025, averaging 62 – the bonus is he would have averaged 67 under the new scoring system, with room for improvement. Melbourne has lost plenty of strike power out wide with Ryan Papenhuyzen and Eli Katoa not being there; they may be forced to be a little more direct in attack, which will all stem from Harry Grant.
Projected Avg 68-72 – Overall Pick 25-35
2. Blayke Brailey
Brailey had an awesome year in 2025 and went from a solid option/plodder to a great option at hooker. Plays 80 minutes every week and he hasn’t missed a game in the last 5 seasons. Brailey ticks all the boxes and will be a good option again this season.
Projected Avg 65-70 Overall Pick 50-60
3. Reece Robson
Big signing for the Roosters and expect him to hit the ground running and capitalise on the back of Spencer Leniu and Naufahu Whyte leading the charge. Connor Watson is an obvious concern to steal some minutes, due to his versatility. I expect Watson to play mainly as a middle forward and cover for any injuries that may happen in the backline.
Projected Avg 58-62 Overall Pick 80-90
4. Sam Verills
The unsung hero of the hooker position of 2025 – averaging 55, which is nothing amazing, but it’s all you need in this position. Is no longer sharing minutes and will play 80, barring injury, week in week out.
Projected Avg 55-60 Overall Pick 90-100
5. Jeremy Marshall-King
A few red flags here with JMK but he deserves to be on this list due to his pedigree over the last few seasons. Is likely to be out until round 6 roughly so you will need to draft a spare hooker or AE if you decide to go with JMK. Donoghoe and Plath are likely to steal some minutes off him at different stages of the season but he is a smart and crafty hooker and get find plenty of attacking stats when he’s at his best.
Projected Avg 55-60 Overall Pick 90-100
6. Api Koroisau
Owning Api is a little bit of a rollercoaster- there will be stages where he’s kicking goals due to injuries and playing big minutes leading from the front putting the Tigers on his back and averaging about 70, there will also be stages where the tigers are carrying a bench hooker to give Api a rest, obviously not kicking goals because Adam Doueihi is first choice and will have a 5RA of about 33. He is worth owning because I like to risk it for the biscuit, and he’s a big game player and loves a try in big moments when not much is happening due to his craftiness.
Projected Avg 52-57 Overall Pick 100-110
7. Connor Watson
A little contradictory, given I’ve mentioned earlier, Reece Robson will be the big minute hooker. Trent Robinson loves Connor Watson and will rely on him so often, and just keep him on the field wherever he can. It’s also very low risk once you get to the area of mediocre hookers who will average 50-55. I’d much rather own a guy who only needs one or two things to go his way, and you’ve got an elite option at a good price because of the unknown of his role.
Projected Avg 52-57 Overall Pick 100-110
8. Sandon Smith
A little asterisk with this one, as it’s not even confirmed he’ll be lining up in the halves just yet. If he does, he has shown in the past that he can be a solid SuperCoach option, can go big on his day, and his goal kicking (we think) will raise that scoring floor a little.
Projected Avg 50-55 Overall Pick 110-120
9. Jake Simpkin
Finished last season as the 80-minute hooker option with a 5RA of 62. See no reason why that changes this season, and arguably should be higher on this list, but the good news is he shouldn’t be on anyone’s radar and is miles down the pre-draft list, so he presents awesome value late in the draft and is one guy I’ve got my eye on.
Projected Avg – 50-55 Overall Pick 110-120
10. Damien Cook
Shane Flanagan loves his trusted and reliable journeyman, and Damien Cook is exactly that. Will play the bulk minutes of the hooking rotation with Jacob Liddle and will slot into lock and just tackle all day while Liddle is on the field.
Projected Avg 50-55 Overall Pick 110-120
Smokey – Reed Mahoney
Can’t say there are too many smokeys in this position as it’s slim pickings. Wouldn’t surprise me to see Mahoney come all guns blazing to prove a point after being shafted by the Dogs – should also play 80 minutes, which is ideal as the 80-minute hooker is a dying breed with the pace of the game. Certainly wouldn’t be reaching for him, though, but not a bad option very late in the draft if you’ve missed all the other guys.
Avoid – Tom Starling
Might be a little harsh, as he had the best year of his career in 2025. I just can’t trust Ricky Stuart, and he has plenty of competition down in Canberra for that 9 jersey. Owen Pattie is a freak and may command more minutes, and they’ve also signed Jayden Brailey. He will only play 55-60 minutes at most. There are enough red flags there for me to look elsewhere at guys guaranteed to play 80 minutes.
Positional Strategy
I have less than zero interest in even looking at drafting a hooker until my entire side is drafted, plus some good bench options. Hooker will be the last position I touch, and there’s little upside in this position, and no one on this list is winning you a draft grand final. An ideal scenario for me is picking up a hooker guaranteed to play 80 minutes in picks 100+. Jake Simpkin will be on the top of my radar along with Sandon Smith and Reed Mahoney.
