In all defence to TL i'd like to seem him have a 4/5 game spell of playing just hooker. rather than being thrown into the role when we have an injured hooker, and he gets ten minutes there.

He's not big enough ! I bet his little toes don't touch the ground when he packs down in the scrum.

It's a simple case of player availability though. If we get the opportunity to sign a quality halfback, but can't find an available quality hooker, are we supposed to just not sign either? Or do we strengthen the area that has the available player?

Firstly, so?

Secondly, I would say it has been a while since SL hookers needed to be any bigger than a halfback.

I completely agree. I do want want, and indeed dread, a hooking combination of Leuluai and McIlorum at all. A new hooker should be a priority for next season.

Which hookers are off contract at the end of the year?

Very much so. It's been noticeable that since McIlorum got injured, Piggy has had an excellent first spell, but does nothing after that. He's really not fit enough to play more than half a game, at most.

Tommy's problem is he goes missing during games. Now although I'm not the greatest fan of him at 9 I do believe that with a full preseason under his belt preparing him to play 9 he'll do well. It'll force Tommy to become more involved within the game and we'll see a lot more of the great things he capable of because of it.

So he should be playing in the halfs !

A hooker is a forward and forwards have to be big blokes or you could just get pushed on the floor if a pack decides to challenge for the ball.

I'd be curious to see how Leuluai does at hooker with a full pre season of training in that position. He hasn't performed as well as some expected at hooker in the past but I do still think his best attributes mean he is very well suited to the role.

We certainly need a better 7 with the improved kicking game he would provide just as much as a good replacement for Riddell.

There are plenty of hookers that arent big blokes. Packs dont even push at scrums and if they do then I really dont see how a hooker is going to be pushed to the floor when they are supported by 2 props and 2 second rows.