Shane Williams: Hooky can be key man in Ospreys’ rejuvenation

James Hook is coming home, and it’s great to have him back. But it’s not just a good move for the Ospreys, I can’t wait to have one of my close friends around again. I really enjoyed my time playing alongside Hooky during the region’s most successful period and I believe he has a lot to offer at the Liberty Stadium.
People forget that he is only 31-years-old, he still has a lot of rugby ahead of him and signing a three-year deal is perfect for both parties.
They will be getting someone whose experience will rub-off on the younger players, but first and foremost, they are getting a serious player with a lot still to give.
Since leaving Wales five years ago, his career has really benefited from his experiences in France with Perpignan and across the Severn Bridge at Gloucester. But for all his dazzling footballing ability, his winning mentality will prove just as important for Steve Tandy as he aims to bring back the glory days.
Hook is a man who has stepped up in big moments to score crucial tries and land kicks to win games when the pressure is on. Three Six Nations titles and a tour with the British Lions have rubber-stamped his reputation as one of Wales’ most exciting talents in the last decade.
And he has delivered in the black shirt as well. A pair of league titles with an Anglo-Welsh Cup victory in-between saw our side go down in history, and I am seeing signs of this side evolving into an Ospreys squad with formidable depth.
Steve will be spoilt for choice at outside-half next season with Dan Biggar, Sam Davies and now James Hook in contention – I’m sure he will have plenty of headaches when he’s picking the team.
In Hooky, he is getting a player with such versatility and top level experience at No.10, centre and full-back – he is equally adept at playing anywhere along the backline. And that will be key. We’ve seen this year how important that ability to slot in when juggling a backline – with Sam’s inclusion in the Wales squad, Josh Matevesi has had to fill the gap at outside-half, but that will not be a problem next season.
James is going to be invaluable no matter where he plays, and that battle for the jersey could really help the side kick-on and achieve great things.
Sam will also benefit massively from having him around, and I see similarities in the way they go about their business.
They both take the ball to the line and threaten with ball in-hand, but they can control a game as well. I’m sure James will slot straight back into things when he returns in the summer, and everyone will love having him around.
You will not meet anyone who says they don’t like Hooky, he’s a funny guy and his personality is infectious. I can’t wait to have him back in the area.
There is some real talent coming through with the likes of Keelan Giles, Owen Watkin and Sam Davies and James is always willing to impart advice and help develop their game.
They will benefit from just watching the way he goes about his business day-to-day, and I’m sure we will see him combining with those hot-prospects to help the Ospreys get their hands on some long overdue silverware.
But first he has to finish the season well with Gloucester, and I’m sure he is determined to get his hands on another European Challenge Cup trophy and help the Cherry and Whites climb the Aviva Premiership table.