Hooker opens up on switch to wing

SPOTLIGHT: Sharks utility back Ethan Hooker has shed light on how he found the transition from centre to wing ahead of the Sharks’ URC clash against Benetton this weekend.

Hooker had an outstanding breakthrough season with the Sharks in the 2023/24 URC and Challenge Cup competitions, but has more recently found himself playing on the wing with star Junior Springbok Jurenzo Julius occupying the No.13 jersey.

The youngster opened up on how he felt this switch of position has impacted his game and how he sees it impacting his future if he should switch back to playing centre.

“Especially wing and No.13, there’s not too many differences,” Hooker said.

“The biggest thing I find is the backfield work which I found has helped me a lot to see the game a lot more from a different perspective.

“I think ultimately playing at wing will actually help me when I go back to that centre role so I’m enjoying that quite a lot” Hooker added.

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Hooker also emphasised his belief that being a versatile player is the way forward to achieve higher honours.

“In this day and age it’s a benefit to be able to play multiple positions if you want to go on and achieve higher honours.

“When I was told I was playing wing I was very happy about it, it just opens more doors and to use it to develop my game.”

Hooker also spoke about the Sharks’ squad belief to close out tight matches as the case was against the Dragons this past weekend.

“We’re definitely a team that’s got to fight until the end and it shows on the field when we win those tight games like that.

“This comes down to fighting for a team goal, fighting for each other and staying in the fight, we talk alot about it during the week and it shows in the games.”