Canberra Raiders legend Mal Meninga says Cameron Smith is the best hooker in the world, but the man who was a joint-winner of the medal bearing Meninga's name is closing fast.
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England international Josh Hodgson and Raiders teammate Josh Papalii were named joint Mal Meninga medallists on Monday night and Hodgson said it was a confidence boost going into their preliminary final against the Melbourne Storm on Saturday.
Hodgson has been touted as a contender for this year's Dally M medal, for the NRL's best player, and he'll go head-to-head with Smith with a spot in the grand final on the line.
He's taken his game to another level this season, his second in the NRL, and has played a major role in the Raiders making their first preliminary final since 1997.
Meninga rated the pair as the best hookers in the world and while he thought the Kangaroos dummy half was the best, the gap is closing.
He also rated Papalii as a crucial element to the Australian side.
"I think Josh Hodgson is the second best hooker in the world and Josh Papalii is one of our prime rugby league players in Australia, which is no mean feat because to make the Australian side is a pretty tough gig," Meninga said.
"[Hodgson is] not too far away from it [being the No.1 hooker], I really believe that. He's a quality player who makes a huge difference when he plays in your footy team.
"He's obviously got some great leadership qualities as well, which is great, and he speaks so well so he's got a great idea about the game."
Hodgson and Papalii were all smiles after receiving the award from Meninga on Monday night.
Hodgson said while it wouldn't change his role or preparation for the Green Machine's biggest game in 20 years, it gave him a boost going into the game.
The 26-year-old was looking forward to a quieter week, having put his ankle injury behind him.
Hodgson received treatment almost around the clock leading into the Raiders' semi-final win over the Penrith Panthers last weekend, as he miraculously went from not playing to a "slim" chance to playing a starring role.
His return was a massive boost for the Raiders, who travel to Melbourne having beaten the Storm in three of the last four games played there.
"I don't think it changes too much in terms of the aspect of your individual game, but it's always going to be a confidence booster [to receive] an award like this," Hodgson said.
"It's a great award to receive, no matter how many games you've played or how old you get an award like this is always just as special.
"I think I ran over a black cat last week – I had the ankle and then I was a bit sick, bit of a nightmare week, but this certainly makes up for it."
Hodgson and Papalii tied on 19 votes, with "Leipana" – centre Joey Leilua and winger Jordan Rapana – finishing tied for third on 17.
Papalii was the only Raider to play State of Origin this year and he has become a mainstay of the Australian team, coached by Meninga, as well as Queensland.
The 24-year-old echoed Meninga's sentiments about his fellow medallist's standing as a world-class hooker.
"I'm very proud to achieve this award [and receive it] from Mal Meninga, it's something I'll remember for a long time," Papalii said.
"To stand next to Hodgo here and accept it together does mean a lot. He's going to be leading us next Saturday and [he's] obviously one of the best hooker's going around. It's a great honour."
NRL PRELIMINARY FINAL
Raiders team: 1. Jack Wighton, 2. Edrick Lee, 3. Jarrod Croker (c), 4. Joey Leilua, 5. Jordan Rapana, 6. Blake Austin, 7. Aidan Sezer, 8. Junior Paulo, 9. Josh Hodgson, 10. Shannon Boyd, 11. Josh Papalii, 12. Elliott Whitehead, 13. Sia Soliola. Interchange: 14. Kurt Baptiste, 15. Luke Bateman, 16. Paul Vaughan, 17. Joe Tapine.
Storm team: 1. Cameron Munster, 2. Suliasi Vunivalu, 3. William Chambers, 4. Cheyse Blair, 5. Marika Koroibete, 6. Blake Green, 7. Cooper Cronk, 8. Jesse Bromwich, 9. Cameron Smith (c), 10. Jordan McLean, 11. Kevin Proctor, 12. Tohu Harris, 13. Dale Finucane. Interchange: 14. Kenny Bromwich, 15. Tim Glasby, 16. Christian Welch, 17. Ben Hampton, 20. Matt White, 21. Felise Kaufusi.
