Options for Hooker Next Year

[DP1990]

So as we all know, Brandon Smith is set to miss a significant part of next season due to his ACL injury and rehab, so the Chooks will need to explore options for the hooker position. Here are a few possibilities:

1. Connor Watson: Should we pick and stick with Watson to fill the void ? He’s versatile and has experience, but can he handle the full-time role at dummy-half ?
2. Zach Dockar-Clay: Another option is Dockar-Clay. He hasn't set the world on fire and I'm not sure his service is that good, but is he ready to step up to the demands of first grade if he has a full pre-season under his belt ?
3. Tyler Moriarty: Is Moriarty ready for first grade ? He’s a young talent, but throwing him into the deep end could be risky but if not next year and at such an opportune time whilst Smith is out recovering, then when ?

Additionally, I read on Code NRL via Facebook that this morning that Cory Paix, currently out of favour with the Broncos and playing in the Queensland Cup, is on about $300,000 and doesn’t have a contract for next year. Should we consider signing him for a year as a stop-gap measure ?


Thoughts ?

[theGman]

Anyone know the status of a young Kiwi JF hooker Ionua (?) who played in the trials and went really well. Was talked up as a future first grader.

[Moose]

Anyone know the status of a young Kiwi JF hooker Ionua (?) who played in the trials and went really well. Was talked up as a future first grader.

Benaiah ioelu, made the jump to NSW cup this year, I'd think Moriarty was probably closer to first grade at this point

[Easts75]

Anyone know the status of a young Kiwi JF hooker Ionua (?) who played in the trials and went really well. Was talked up as a future first grader.

He looked good

I like Jayden Brailey who would.be very cheap

[GC6]

With cook going to dragons next year I would be trying to woo liddle over here

[King Salvo]

Connor Watson would be first choice I assume

Then you have

1. Tyler Moriarty
2. Benaiah Loelu
3. Alan Holton

Brandon Smith back mid season or so

[Rooster90]

Anyone know the status of a young Kiwi JF hooker Ionua (?) who played in the trials and went really well. Was talked up as a future first grader.

Benaiah Ioelu - won the starting #9 jersey in NSW Cup over Moriarty however ended up with a leg? injury in May and was ruled out for the season.

[Inflictor]

So as we all know, Brandon Smith is set to miss a significant part of next season due to his ACL injury and rehab, so the Chooks will need to explore options for the hooker position. Here are a few possibilities:

1. Connor Watson: Should we pick and stick with Watson to fill the void ? He’s versatile and has experience, but can he handle the full-time role at dummy-half ?
2. Zach Dockar-Clay: Another option is Dockar-Clay. He hasn't set the world on fire and I'm not sure his service is that good, but is he ready to step up to the demands of first grade if he has a full pre-season under his belt ?
3. Tyler Moriarty: Is Moriarty ready for first grade ? He’s a young talent, but throwing him into the deep end could be risky but if not next year and at such an opportune time whilst Smith is out recovering, then when ?

Additionally, I read on Code NRL via Facebook that this morning that Cory Paix, currently out of favour with the Broncos and playing in the Queensland Cup, is on about $300,000 and doesn’t have a contract for next year. Should we consider signing him for a year as a stop-gap measure ?


Thoughts ?

Friendy was 18 when he debuted for the NRL team. Tyler is now 21 and has played quite a bit of NSW Cup. So if he is as good as many say he is then surely he should be ready to go next season.

On a side note what happened to Corey Ross? In the trial against Souffs I thought he would be one who could progress but seems to have had limited time in NSW Cup this year. Injured?

[Roosterfarian]

On a side note, has Brandon had surgery yet? I heard Walker did but havent heard of Smith having his yet?

I wonder if they are still assessing it with a view that it may not need a full arthroscopy?

[HunchoRooster]

I think if the Riff have shown anything in recent years is you don't need a world beater at dummy half. Just need a bloke who can provide good sharp service and not miss tackles Ala Mitch Kenny.

Hell even our champion Jake Friend was so good because he did the fundamentals and effort plays better than just about anyone.

Watson is not a natural hooker and ZDC is a reserve grader for a reason.

[ConGa]

On a side note, has Brandon had surgery yet? I heard Walker did but havent heard of Smith having his yet?

I wonder if they are still assessing it with a view that it may not need a full arthroscopy?

he had to repair his MCL first before the ACL

[PLV012]

Anyone know the status of a young Kiwi JF hooker Ionua (?) who played in the trials and went really well. Was talked up as a future first grader.

Benaiah Ioelu... missed this year, knee or lower leg injury... back on his feet & rehab training... running again next week i think... imo between he & moriarty, chooks have 2 best young up & coming 9s across the comp.

E2W
RWB

[King Salvo]

Friendy was 18 when he debuted for the NRL team. Tyler is now 21 and has played quite a bit of NSW Cup. So if he is as good as many say he is then surely he should be ready to go next season.

On a side note what happened to Corey Ross? In the trial against Souffs I thought he would be one who could progress but seems to have had limited time in NSW Cup this year. Injured?

Corey Ross has been playing mainly for the Glebe Dirty Reds in Ron Massey Cup - Callum Ellis as well

[Steakface]

I think if the Riff have shown anything in recent years is you don't need a world beater at dummy half. Just need a bloke who can provide good sharp service and not miss tackles Ala Mitch Kenny.

Hell even our champion Jake Friend was so good because he did the fundamentals and effort plays better than just about anyone.

Watson is not a natural hooker and ZDC is a reserve grader for a reason.

That's exactly why Mitch Kenny is so good. Very underrated.

Hooker has never been a glamourous position. And now that scrums and 'hooking' is not part of the game, it's all about facilitating - providing the best service possible so the other blokes can work their magic, and putting in 110% effort in defence.

Genuine playmaking hookers are few and far between. And any effective 'zipping' from dummy half might as well be non existent unless your pigs are dominating the yardage and putting the opposition on their backs.

I worry Watson is a bit wasted as a starting hooker. He may end up doing all the grunt work and have nothing in the tank for attacking or creativity.

[Mickie Lane]

Thirteen knows plenty of hookers so I’m sure he’ll advice the club.