Hulking prop Saul Houma was a handful to say the least in Orange Hawks’ run to the 2018 Group 10 premier league semi-finals and it’s probably fair to say few, if any, were ever genuinely confident in taking on the giant bookend.
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He was particularly effective in oppositions’ red zones, barging his way over from close range to score six tries during the season – or six that were recorded on Group 10’s statistics, anyway.
But because of a lack of fitness, certainly compared to his days at the Newtown Jets anyway, Houma was largely used in short, sharp bursts though to try and maximise his impact.
MORE IN LEAGUE: Players on the move: Group 10 and Group 11 signings for 2019
His minutes did lift after ultimately season-ending injuries to NSW Country under-23 prop Ethan McKellar and workhorse utility forward Nathan Potts, but with that increase in workload came a natural dip in influence through the back end of the season.
This year might be a different story though, based on what Hawks captain-coach Willie Heta revealed in episode four of Australian Community Media's Get 'Em Onside Podcast.
"It'd definitely be the big fella, Saul," Heta said, nominating Houma without a second thought when asked to tip the two blues' breakout player in 2019.
“He’s dropped a lot of weight through the off-season and his attitude has been right.
"I’m looking forward to a really good season from him."
Already somewhat of a juggernaut with ball in hand, the thought of a fitter, faster, more mobile Houma is enough to give Hawks' rivals nightmares, particular with McKellar back to partner him in 2019.
“Once the body gets moving it’s always going to be hard to stop [Houma] but when he finds that mobility and leg-drive he’s going to be a class act," Heta said.
Houma, McKellar and Potts will combine with the likes of Rakai Tuheke, Sam Coyte and Kyle Byrnes in Hawks' pack this season, an enviable group of forwards Heta's likely to have a field day behind, not to mention new signings Matt Boss and Alex Prout - both look a chance to play hooker.
That and a positive start to the 2019 pre-season has Heta champing at the bit to kick-off the two blues' bid to snap a premiership drought that now spans 16 years, a goal he thinks is entirely possible.
He thought it was possible last year after all, but the two blues were eventually bounced out by premiers Bathurst Panthers in the preliminary final.
"There's been good numbers have been good and everyone's enjoying it, we're straight back into that same, good culture (from 2018)," Heta, now in his third year in the club's top job, said.
"My first winter (in 2017) was definitely a stepping stone … we've set the foundation with the 2018 season and hopefully we can build on that.
"To fall a bit short (last year) was a little bit disheartening … I was confident we could get the job done but it wasn't to be."
When he finds that mobility and leg-drive he’s going to be a class act.
- Hawks' Willie Heta, on Saul Houma
Hawks travel to Lithgow to face Workies in April 14's opening round before a trip to Cowra in round two then a third round bye.
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