606's Aviva Premiership Team of the year - Hooker

The Quins props are the current front runners for selection. who would have thought that at the start of the season. Howver they will not be joined by a hooking colleague as neither Gray nor Brooker could establish themselves as first choice prior to injury.

Contenders:

George Chuter: The man who has played more premiership matches than any other player continues to go strong in a fine Tigers pack. Looking his age at times, but what a servant.
Schalk Brits: not in the same form as last year, and at times Sarries struggle to accomodate his talents when Burger, Brown and Barritt are missing. However he can still do things others dream of, and is the sort of player that draws in the crowds.
Chris Whitehead: Former Tigers Academy member. Whitehead made the rounds of lower league clubs but is now slowly, silently making his presence felt in the AP. Yet more evidence that players (especially forwards) can be late developers.
Marc jones: In an up and down season for Sale, jones has been a model of consistency.
David Paice: Career has not advanced as expected. but with 16 starts still the main man at LI
Rob Webber: Another on Wasps large injury list. Enough appearances and performances to deserve inclusion - he will be hoping the move to Bath can help him push Hartley for the England spot.

Love sacks - forgot the someone else option.

Whitehead for me

LondonTiger wrote:The Quins props are the current front runners for selection. who would have thought that at the start of the season. Howver they will not be joined by a hooking colleague as neither Gray nor Brooker could establish themselves as first choice prior to injury.

That's a tad harsh on Gray and Brooker - O'Shea announced at the start of the season that they were equals and had an explicit policy of player rotation, giving them half a game each when fit and alternating who started, much the same as Wigglesworth and de Kock last season. Rob Buchanan deserves a special mention for holding his own at the business end of the season after Cairns's retirement and Brooker and Gray's injuries, having started as an academy player and 4th choice, but hasn't played enough to qualify.

But I'd agree that Brits and Whitehead are out in front.

If we talking about ability then Brits is still the best hooker on paper.

In regards to form who hasn't made nearly as much impact as usual though.

I think Chuter is showning his age.

The others I can't really comment on - none have really made me sit up and take notice.

Brooker and Gray for Quins should be in there somewhere surely as both made it into the Saxons. Both have made enough appearances.

Even though I think Hartley has been average he should still be on the list.

Really tough one as no one has really made this a clear decision in my opinion. Went for Brits because he's still the best hooker in the AP imo.

Hartley has played 7 times for saints in the AP.

Remember when they decide these things it is purely on Premiership form - so international players rarely get a look in. This is the chance for those people who perform week in week out to get the plaudits.

Yes, but what percentage of the domestic season are the international players missing?

Its not like its the majority is it? All the players in these positions should be considered in my opinion. Yes, there are some admirable stand-ins, but discounting international players is unfair.

There is no doubt Brits is one of the best hookers around, but this season he has been slightly subdued. This is probably that defences have worked him out slightly and his impact isn't as strong. Credit where credit is due, his throwing is better than it used to be, but I wouldn't vote for him.

Paice has had a quietly good season and I do rate him, but Whitehead has been the hooker of the season for me. Every time I've seen him he has impressed. He's another understated player, but has had a very consistent season.

Whitehead got my vote based on his well rounded displays in the tight and consistent hard work in the loose (he does carry well). Played very well for Chiefs and seems an integral part in their pack. Brits would be the normal go to vote but his form just hasn't been the same as in previous seasons, Sarries negative tactics don't suit the centre in a hookers body and injuries haven't helped either.

Equo Troiano wrote:Yes, but what percentage of the domestic season are the international players missing?

Its not like its the majority is it? All the players in these positions should be considered in my opinion. Yes, there are some admirable stand-ins, but discounting international players is unfair.

International players are only discounted if they failed to start in enough matches for their teams. With 7 appearances how can Hartley, for instance, be considered for a team of stand-out premiership performers.

If we were choosing the best in each position it would still be controversial, but easier. As it is we are considering those who have performed well across the premiership season.

Perhaps I am too strict on who qualifies - but there we go.

Slim pickings tbh, Brits probably standout despite a poor year. Looking at these polls it's showing the general quality in the Jeff isn't particulary high at the minute.

Same as tighthead I haven't seen anyone that stands out (haven't seen many Exeter, Sale, LI, etc games). So I'm going to abstain again

Went for Whitehead (brand loyalty!) but it isn't a particularly inspiring collection really.

Yeah, most of our promising-looking Hookers appear to only play part-time

Nothing worse than a part-time hooker...

Yeah but think of the wear'n'tear if they're full time. If they're only part-time they'll keep their body in shape for longer.

Voted Brits but all in all it's been a very poor season for Hooking

Went with Brits but would really go for one of Hartley or the Gray/Brooker combo (voting for both as one entity).