Injured.

You couldn't have made up the irony of the nature of his retirement though. All those late shoulders took their toll eventually.

A lesson in application over ability if there ever was one.

I think we've missed his guile in the past couple of seasons more than some realise.

Indeed.

Hooper gave us great value for money. He was tireless in attack and defence. He covered a number of positions without needing many matches to acclimatize to its demands. As mentioned he ran great angles. His support play was good. When fit he was physically challenging to opponents (his fend was textbook). From forty yards out he had enough pace to hold off all but the quickest defenders. He was very adept at reefing the ball and he terrorised SL's kickers (has there been a better player at challenging the kicker since?).

Tragically, a succession of serious injuries robbed him and us of his prime and turned him into a pitiable imitation of his former self. It was pretty distressing and a reminder to everyone that all the talent in the world is only one piece of cruel misfortune away from ruin.

I miss Hooper's enthusiam for the game, but I don't think the team misses him much. Yes, it would be handy to have someone who could pressurise the kicker in a similar fashion, but Flannery is just as effective and moreso in other areas.

One of my favourite ever Saints players.

His ability to annoy Lee Briers should be enough to write him into Saints folklore.

Not for me, I know Flanders had a good day last friday, but for me, Hooper was a vastly underatted player, mainly in terms of the basic direction he could give to a team.

Somebody mentioned pace from forty yards...what about length of the field from base of the scrum versus Bradford ('04?) at Knowsley Rd?

Very good player who added to his skill and talent with application...something others could benefit from.

Quote ="Offside Monkey"Not for me, I know Flanders had a good day last friday, but for me, Hooper was a vastly underatted player, mainly in terms of the basic direction he could give to a team.'" i'd have the Hooper of 2004 over Flannery without question. www.superleague.co.uk/statistics ... eason=2009

Quote ="Offside Monkey"Not for me, I know Flanders had a good day last friday, but for me, Hooper was a vastly underatted player, mainly in terms of the basic direction he could give to a team.'" i'd have the Hooper of 2004 over Flannery without question. www.superleague.co.uk/statistics ... eason=2009

As well as being hard as nails and unable to stop when opposing stand offs kicked the ball, he use to make me laugh when an opponent dropped the ball and he would pat them on the head whilst smiling at them.

He went back down under to Oz to become a carpenter.

yep -that's what I remember. He only go his last contract because we lost someone else.

Darren Albert it was. Albert told him to hold off signing for Salford I think it was because he had asked for a release from his newly signed extension on his contract.

Quote ="saints35 bulls0"i'd have the Hooper of 2004 over Flannery without question. www.superleague.co.uk/statistics ... eason=2009'" Flannery does the essential and often inconspicuous work that Hooper was less effective at. And he makes fewer mistakes (including not giving away the boatload of penalties which Hooper attracted) doing it.

Quote ="saints35 bulls0"i'd have the Hooper of 2004 over Flannery without question. www.superleague.co.uk/statistics ... eason=2009'" Flannery does the essential and often inconspicuous work that Hooper was less effective at. And he makes fewer mistakes (including not giving away the boatload of penalties which Hooper attracted) doing it.

Quote ="saints35 bulls0"i'd have the Hooper of 2004 over Flannery without question. www.superleague.co.uk/statistics ... eason=2009'" When on top form Hooper was outstanding, he scored a load of tries too.

Quote ="saints35 bulls0"i'd have the Hooper of 2004 over Flannery without question. www.superleague.co.uk/statistics ... eason=2009'" When on top form Hooper was outstanding, he scored a load of tries too.

Didnt he go back to Aus to start up a carpentry business or something along those lines?

Is Jason Hooper Jesus?

Another Dirty Cheating B****** All He Could Do Was Take Out The Opposition Kicker And Late May I Add...

Yet you stick up for Bailey ?

My god you fu*king numpties are annoying!

Hoops was a gem many a time, the charge down at the Millenium stadium, resulting in Gilmour scoring in the corner to start another rout of the pies in the challenge cup final. Pity he crumbled and fell apart, he was more than handy to have around the pitch, and great to have around the club to.

Plus he had that superb WWF style brawl with Briers, that was class, funniest fight EVER, Briers giving him the slam dunk, then climbing up the ropes and jumping off , the only thing he didnt do was hit him with a folding chair... WOOOOOO...WOOOOOOOOOO

He didn't just do it in late May he did it in February, March, April..........September and October

Whatever happened to Hoopers love child, Rommel?

You Can't Compare The Two I Bet Hoopers Disciplinary Record Is Worse Than Baileys...
Pot, Kettle, Black...

He did a good job of it though.