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.
.
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.

Not ignoring his form just stating he's not been better than Smith

He's pretty much been the best player in the competition never mind the best hooker. Do you even watch NRL?

He will stroll away with the Dally M then I supposed?
Wasnt he joint player of the year for the raiders or is it the norn to have 2 winners ?

Coming from the guy who stated Bateman has been the outstanding second rower in our Comp this year .. Do you watch rugby at all ?

I've no idea what you just said.

I've never said that. Do you read at all?

For what it's worth Currie has been the best back rower in SL, Bateman second and I'd say Moors or Stewart third.

Like I said Not in the same league as Cameron Smith

Yeah, course they have

Roby has been outstanding for many years now and it would be extremely harsh to drop the guy who has, over a sustained period been England's top no 9.
Others have certainly pushed him all the way and may be "better" but, this is only based on club form and the other candidates may not manage the step up ??

It will be interesting whether we go for tried and tested or "form" players.

Clark back to his best this year

Technically his overall game is better than Houghton, Clark and Hodgson, alas the last 2 seasons injuries have effected his performances and its probably correct in him being 3rd/4th hooker on the England international front.

I'm pretty sure Roby will be in the squad but i would bet as a Saints fan you would like to see him miss out and rest his body, as a player who is almost 31 and puts his body through the mill for 80 minutes every week and has for a lot of seasons now it's bound to start showing soon.

It's great we have plenty of quality in the hooking department, i don't think any of the obvious four will let us down if selected.

I would think it might depend on how Wayne Bennet wants to operate on the hooking front, if he wants to use 2 hookers in the game to set the defence early on and build pressure later in attack then Houghton and Clark might be the better option, if he wants an 80 min hooker then that could be Hodgson.
You are right our hooker options are pretty good quality wise. Roby had an elbow "clean out ' recently and still has the odd ankle problem but he will still put his hand up if needed.