Orange Hawks’ forward stocks have been bolstered by the addition of former Blayney Bears back-rower Rakai Tuheke for the 2018 Group 10 season.
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Two blues president Mark Johnson confirmed the addition of the Western Rams second rower, Tuheke expected to line-up alongside Nathan Potts and Ethan McKellar in one of the strongest, and youngest, backrows in Group 10 next season.
Johnson said the club has retained all bar one of last year’s squad, with Viani Falaniko the only player in the departures lounge.
Falaniko has been picked up by Bathurst Panthers.
Speaking after being reinstalled as the club’s president at the annual general meeting last Sunday, Johnson was confident Willie Heta’s squad can make an impact on this year’s competition.
“I don’t think finals, I think we can win it,” Johnson fired.
“If we get a good prop, throw Rakai in the mix and another player, maybe, with a full pre-season under our belts … we didn’t start until January last year.
“We want to bring a level of professionalism to the club, where the players are accountable.
“If we’re going to have a go, we want everything to be right.”
Johnson will be joined on the Hawks executive committee by Jacky Lyden (vice president), Kasey Byrne (junior vice president), Andrew Blimka (secretary), Gav Pilossof (treasurer) and Frank Sheehan (registrar).
While the general committee is nearing the 20-strong mark.
Johnson said while funds were tight as the club searched for another prop to further beef-up the two blues pack, the fact the club was back in the black having eradicated the debt that hung over Hawks throughout 2017 was a great thing.
“It’s a positive for the club,” he added.
Johnson said Hawks was hopeful of locking in Heta for another two years on top of the 2018 season.
He’s been sensational for the club on and off the field.
“Even touch wise, the juniors are getting a buzz out of it. I spoke to one parent, and Willie turned up to a training run and the team learned more in 45 minutes than they had all year.
“Signed for this year but we’d love a four year period to cement him in.”
Johnson was also thrilled Oberon had gone all out for the season ahead.
“The best thing that could have happened to Group 10 rugby league,” he called the Tigers’ signing of Josh Starling.
“I’ve been around the area for 30 years and I don’t think there’s been a year where it’s been discussed as much.
“When the little towns are going well the competition is strong.”