I know this is a tired argument.
But I have said it all along and I am happy to place it as much signature to wear it - Gill will be a better player than Hooper if he isn't already.
Hooper has terrific leg-speed, is super busy, gets through a mountain of work etc. Yet he just doesn't have the same nous, or polish.
Liam just follows the rucks, very rarely does he get caught in the wider channels. His pick and drive technique is exemplary, he is a strong defender and his ruck work is first rate. Not just his pilfering, but his organising on our own ball adds alot of what the coaches like to call "detail" to our offensive game. That means he protects the ball well, knowing when to take the space or attach himself to the player on the ground.
He is so accurate on defensive rucks that even when he doesn't win it cleanly he disrupts the ball so much for the opposition. He also has that timing ability to smash the halfback as soon as the ball is out, much like McCaw. As opposed to Pocock who is stronger but not as quick, most of his turnover's are actually turnovers and not penalties. The advantage of this is that we can actually play with the ball, and as everyone knows the best attacking ball is turnover ball.
Hooper is clearly the more battle hardened of the two, but in the long run has more limitations to his game.
I hope Liam gets a start either this week or next, as they are both such good players and it is a waste to be only utilising and giving such crucial experience to one of them.