Best in the world ? When he's done it for at least a few years then fair enough but anyone that thinks he's better than Cameron Smith needs to go see a doctor

Smith isn't just the best hooker in the world and has been for ages, he's up there as one of the all time greats

Bingo pal

Hodgson has been up there with Smith this year for sure, but Smith has been THE man for a decade. will be interesting watching the two go head to head on the international stage.

Hodgson and Clarke, no question about it.

Hodgson, Clark and Roby IMO in that order.

It's a fantastic position to be in to be able to pick James Roby as a third choice hooker and Houghton not in the squad at all!!

Your still bitter that your club let him go for nothing

Not at all Frankie , he been top quality this season but still way off Cameron Smith pal wouldn't you agree ?

Think all Hull fans are happy with Houghton, we have had nearly 10 years out of him and probably get another 5, wouldn't have got that out off Josh as always had ambitions of the NRL.

No regrets from us, bad timing as we had Houghton and Berrigan when he came onto the scene,great to Serbia doing Well in the NRL.

Should be Hodgson and Clarke for England, could some really damage.

This year he's been the best hooker in the NRL over the course of the season. That doesn't make him a better player than Smith, who would be first choice pick in any team. But you can't ignore his form and the difference he's made to the Raiders.

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.