Boks backline heap praise on newcomer Ethan Hooker

The powerful Durban youngster has been a revelation at the Sharks this year. Hooker only missed two rounds in the United Rugby Championship, where he played on both wings and at both centres as the Sharks juggled their Boks.

In the URC season, Hooker was ranked first in clean breaks (25), eighth in defender beaten (46) and scored eight tries. Being strong in contact is perhaps his best attribute, but Hooker is also fleet of foot and consistently makes good decisions.

The Bok centre stocks are currently brimming. The likes of Damian de Allende, Jesse Kriel, Andre Esterhuizen and Lukhanyo Am currently hold the keys, while Damian Willemse and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu could also do the job at 12.

There's much talent in front of Hooker, but the 22-year-old has earned the praise of de Allende, who waxed lyrical about Hooker at a press conference this week.  

"He is always going forward, he is very dominant," quipped the double World Cup winner.

"A guy like Ethan has had a great season with the Sharks. Andre [Esterhuizen] and Lukie are helping him at the Sharks. I think I can learn a lot from Ethan. The way he has played in the URC this season has been incredible.

"He has been the backbone of the Sharksâ™ backline. Iâ™d love to train with him a bit more and play with him just to get a good feel from him, his communication on the field.

"I have trained alongside him a bit. It hasnâ™t been that much, but he has a good head on his shoulders, and heâ™s got a great future.

"Jesse, Andre, Lukie, and I will do the best we can to make sure we can give him as much knowledge as soon as possible, and when he does get the opportunity, that he is ready."

Fassi, who plays with Hooker at the Sharks, is eager to see him join him in the green and gold.

"I'm pretty excited to train and play with Ethan at the highest level," the fullback said.

"I think he is a brilliant player who can play centre and wing.

"He has shown his value through the season at the Sharks and what he can produce. So just excited for him to be in this setup and excited for what the future holds for him."

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