Hull KR hooker Ben Cockayne? : Tue Jan 13, 2015 11:32 am  

Hello - obviously we've recruited well in the off season, and I'm really excited by our new look squad, particularly as we have no pressure on us due almost everyone who isn't from East Hull predicting us to competing with Wakey for bottom place. But at hooker we just have the two youngsters Bouzebda and Carlile. Im all for giving youth a chance like Wigan and Saints have done so successfully, but do you think the reason he may have not recruited a star player to replace Hodgson is that Ben Cockayne can do this job very effectively, as he did in his first spell with us before his behaviour got him moved on. He really is a waste to be sat on the bench, and although I rate Carlile and Bouzebza is highly thought of in RL circles, Cockayne has bags of Super League experience and Morgan really got some good work out of him at Hooker. Is this a silly idea what do others think?

Re: Hull KR hooker Ben Cockayne? : Tue Jan 13, 2015 11:38 am  

Good runs from dummy half but doesn't have the all round game a hooker needs (passing from the floor etc..). Would much prefer to stick with what we've got and wait for someone to become available.

Re: Hull KR hooker Ben Cockayne? : Tue Jan 13, 2015 12:12 pm  

rovers1984 wrote:

Hello - obviously we've recruited well in the off season, and I'm really excited by our new look squad, particularly as we have no pressure on us due almost everyone who isn't from East Hull predicting us to competing with Wakey for bottom place. But at hooker we just have the two youngsters Bouzebda and Carlile. Im all for giving youth a chance like Wigan and Saints have done so successfully, but do you think the reason he may have not recruited a star player to replace Hodgson is that Ben Cockayne can do this job very effectively, as he did in his first spell with us before his behaviour got him moved on. He really is a waste to be sat on the bench, and although I rate Carlile and Bouzebza is highly thought of in RL circles, Cockayne has bags of Super League experience and Morgan really got some good work out of him at Hooker. Is this a silly idea what do others think?

No he can't. He was a shocking hooker. He simply cannot pass and doesn't read the game well in that position.

Both the hookers we have are 24, that's no longer a youngster in this game, time for them to step up.

Re: Hull KR hooker Ben Cockayne? : Tue Jan 13, 2015 12:59 pm  

I think what we saw under the Morgan era with charlie at hooker was effective scooting from Ben on the back of a quick play the ball. I can see the same effect this year but only from the likes of dixon, sio and charlie if he plays fullback/wing.
I think the lack of experience at hooker will be mitigated by our halves, and the impact of josh leaving will not be that severe. Josh had to stand up and be counted a lot last year as keating went missing a lot and dependent on his mood, so did burns. That burden of expectation or demand will not be as apparent this year we hope with potentially the best half back pairing we have had at the club since entering super league, so we should allow carlile and boubedza to grow and flourish in the role.
If worst case scenario we had to play him there short term i would be happy with that, as his energy around the ruck can be good, but as previously mentioned his distribution is poor at best. But we need allow both these hookers game time to prove they can cut it and get better.
I thought boubedza did alright on Sunday, behind a beaten pack with slow play the ball his distribution was good and seemed to tackle fairly well. Did he do the 80 mins on sunday?

Re: Hull KR hooker Ben Cockayne? : Tue Jan 13, 2015 2:51 pm  

I'd be surprised if Chester's doesn't try this out. If Charlie can make a decent go of playing hooker he'll be almost the perfect interchange player.

Re: Hull KR hooker Ben Cockayne? : Tue Jan 13, 2015 3:10 pm  

Yes definately, i wouldnt expect him to be the complete answer to the hooker problem, just a useful option there off the bench, as he is already a great interchange cos of his versatility and his enthusiasm when he comes on. Carlile was very promising for Huddersfield before his illness, and i suppose salary cap allowing, we can bring someone else in when the right man becomes available. I suppose Hodgson had to be given a chance and his development was unbelievable after getting the chance.

Re: Hull KR hooker Ben Cockayne? : Tue Jan 13, 2015 7:33 pm  

Here's a crazy idea why don't we just play our two hookers at hooker

Re: Hull KR hooker Ben Cockayne? : Tue Jan 13, 2015 7:39 pm  

fun time frankie wrote:

Here's a crazy idea why don't we just play our two hookers at hooker

It'll never catch on.

Re: Hull KR hooker Ben Cockayne? : Wed Jan 14, 2015 10:45 am  

Like other posters have stated play players in their correct position, unless of course injuries dictate. Cockayne is a good full back and has proved himself as a decent winger so IMO will be fighting for a place in either of these positions. Anyway according to another KR forum a poster who seems quite informed believes the club could, even at this late stage, checking on the availability of a current S.L. hooker.

Re: Hull KR hooker Ben Cockayne? : Wed Jan 14, 2015 11:42 am  

I like the idea of anyone with pace can play hooker! Dixon, Sio, Kelly maybe?