Psychedelic Casual wrote:
The NRL has tidier rucks and quicker PTBs than the absolute scruffy mess that is Super League (starting to become frustrating and unwatchable over here at times with the lack of application of the rules by the refs, i presume, directed by the RFL). Hookers are given the opportunity to look great over there.
I tend to agree and I think this is one of the reasons why Houghton is standing out a bit more this season because he is more of a defensive hooker. The likes of Clark and Roby who both like to quickly run directly through the ruck area have had limited opportunity this season as the rucks are messy affairs with defenders compacted in the PTB channel.
If you look at the attacking stats of Clark and Roby they are pretty good, if Houghton tried to equal the two mentioned maybe he would have less time and energy to maintain his defensive performance.
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If you take 90% of Houghton's defence and 90% of Clark's attack you are basically getting Roby's standard, I should imagine Hodgson is right up there in both parts of the game but in a better competition.