With the curtain having come down on the Hollywoodbets Sharks’ 2024/25 URC campaign, we’ve picked out five of the franchise’s best players over the course of what has been a season of highs and lows.
5. Jurenzo Julius
Given what we’ve seen from him over the past year, there’s a real sense that The Boogeyman, like another youngster later on this list, is set for a long and fruitful career in the pro ranks. Clearly one of the most naturally gifted midfielders in the local game, the 21-year-old Julius carried his scintillating Currie Cup form straight into the URC for the Hollywoodbets Sharks this season. His pace, ball skills and X factor mean that, although he has been omitted from Rassie Erasmus’ latest Springbok squad, it’s surely only a matter of time before we see him don the Green and Gold.
In 14 games this season, Julius bagged four tries, beat 37 defenders (for which he ranked 16th in the competition) and made 384 metres from 73 carries with ball in hand.
4. Jason Jenkins
Having arrived from Leinster, much was expected of the experienced Jenkins ahead of his debut season at the Shark Tank, and there’s no question that his consistent performances in the engine room, particularly in the absence of Eben Etzebeth, were vital to the success of the side. Although he may be seen by some as more of a medium-pacer these days, the one-cap Springbok still has plenty of rugby left in him and should form a key part of the squad’s leadership core in the years to come.
Missing just one game all season, which brought his tally to 19, the 29-year-old ranked 19th in the competition for lineout steals (four), made eight offloads and 112 tackles (placed 88th) at a success rate of 82%.
3. Vincent Tshituka (Bronze)
His recent inclusion in the Boks’ squad for their upcoming Tests against Italy and Georgia is just reward for the excellent Tshituka, whose commitment on both sides of the ball is consistently up there with the very best every time he takes to the pitch. His versatility across the back five will prove enticing for the world champions’ coaching staff, with the Congolese-born workhorse epitomising throughout the course of the season the old sport adage about the permanence of class.
Big Vinny topped the URC charts for lineout steals won (11), while he ended up 22nd for turnovers won (11) and 28th for tackles made (161). He also made 401-metres from 135 carries.
2. Andre Esterhuizen (Silver)
The Giant’s influence on his return to the Sharks this season has been about as big as his frame, which, at 113kg and 1.93-metres, is definitely saying something. Esterhuizen has been nothing short of monumental throughout his side’s campaign, with his ability to get over the gainline bailing his team out time and again, while his kicking and passing game is also up there with the very best centres on the planet. Has there been a better signing for John Plumtree in the Kiwi’s second stint in Durban?
In 16 matches, Esterhuizen ranked first for defenders beaten (a ridiculous 63), while he placed second for successful carries (96), 13th for offloads (17) and also touched down five times.
1. Ethan Hooker (Gold)
There could really only be one winner. The emergence of Hooker has been arguably the biggest success story to come out of the Hollywoodbets Sharks’ season, especially considering the 22-year-old is a local boy, having been schooled at Westville Boys’ High. Despite having played mostly in his secondary position on the wing, Hooker has managed to produce some game-changing moments on both attack and defence for his team this season, and there’s seemingly little doubt that he will be a cornerstone for the Durban franchise in their campaigns to come.
Hooker topped the URC list for most clean breaks this season (a whopping 25), while ranking seventh for tries scored (eight), eighth for defenders beaten (46) and 17th for metres gained (722). Over to you, Rassie!
