HS Top 200’s Top 5 Hooker 2018

I can see a real tough battle in this position happening and with a strong Top 5 like this I think the boys could really have a good go at each other through out the year. There isn’t really a lot that separates all these players and so any streak of bad games you would really see a fall and jump on the Rankings in this position. I have selected 2 guys from the 1A and 2 other guys from the Super and 1 from the Deep South, so at least we’ll be able to see 4 of them go head to head against each other.

1. Billy Priestly (Gisborne BHS)

After last year seeing how Billy transitioned from a Loose forward into a very solid Hooker that adds a lot to the pace of the game and mobility around the park. Billy has a bit of height to him and so I think that it will benefit the size factor, as it would but also being able to give the scrums a different shape and feel on the engage. His running game is going to be important and I think this year will be a big one for him to show his leadership skills which will give him a high shot at NZSS selections. He will have a pretty experienced Gizzy Boys side returning but if he can have those boys all on the same page watch how dominate they can be and Billy will be right at the front as the first example for the boys.

2. Millenium Sanerivi (Kings College)

Another player that made the move from Loose forward to the front row Mills has really made a difference to the position and also the way he effects the game. I can see him going further into the Pro game if he keeps working and progressing the way he has been. Such a solid hitter and very very active player that tries to be in every situation, he really does put himself to work. My only concern for him is that I haven’t really seen him throw consistently over a few game stretch but to me that is something that can be worked on through out the year. Love his running game and his aggressive tackling and excited to see what he does this year.

3. Tyrone Thompson (Napier BHS)

Tyrone has the same gift of height that he brings to the position just like Billy does. Tyrone I have seen grow through the last 3 years and really grab this No.2 Jersey and make it his own. I think that with his style of play and his ability to really create mismatches on defence that can change the look of every Pod he is apart of. I think that because he is a very experienced player at this point starting as a Hooker for the last 2 years his influence is something coaches love in  players because they settle everyone else down and are usually the cool heads on the pitch. I also think that Tyrone is going to fit into the type of games they will play in South Africa and it will be a great test for him.

4. Jacob Payne (Southland BHS)

Damn seeing this dude play makes you think of those old school type players that just take no crap from anyone and just get stuck into it and produce results. Jacob is a tough guy, and I dont mean in the way of when he’s angry on the field he is a genuine tough guy, like a bolder being held up by a tooth pick he’s ready to snap. I like it though because he takes shots really well on the run, holds his balance when running the ball and also when he is about to get over the ball his low center of gravity helps him slip under players taking him out. I think he’s going to be one of the best in the Deep South and the NZSS team is not far from his grip.

5. Sam Rainger (Auckland GS)

Now Sam is the different one or odd one out of all these guys and he kind of stands alone when it comes to this position. Sam is not a tough guy, not a big solid dude, doesnt lift the gym and doesnt have a lot of height to him either. Now that may sound like hes out of the mold but that’s kind of it, if to many players all look the same a guy like Sam is a breath of fresh air kind of thing, he changes the system, gives the team a different dynamic and that could work in his favour. Sam is not going to put a massive hit on someone and he’s dont going to be bump’n off anyone either but what Sam does better then the others is that he is right there when he’s needed. He makes plays at just the right time, tackles at just the right time and runs the ball at just the right time, just dont count him out.

Damarus Hokianga (Hastings BHS)
Nicolas Jeffcoat (Hamilton BHS)
Thomas Broughton (St Andrews College)
Liam Tooman (Kapati College)