I think Hooker is an important position. But of the spine I think it is least important. I think Ricky thinks this too and spends his cap elsewhere. Different teams have different views. Le Rooster seem hell bent on getting a premium level hooker. Storm have had Smith followed by Grant. Panthers won the premiership with the non descript Mitch Kenny at Hooker. So I think that means
Ivan Cleary is in Ricky's camp as well. Warriors have a bob each way with Egan ranked around 9th or 10 amongst hookers and investing in Sam Healy quite wisely as Egan may find one of these head knocks career ending eventually as he is always getting himself concussed. Egan turns 28 in March 2025 - he won't make it much past 30 the way he is going.