Titans hulk David Hala wants to prove he’s not a dud buy

TITANS recruit David Hala is a 114kg giant who can bench press 195kg but he would rather impress his new teammates with his footballing ability.

The Gold Coast Titans held a training session at the TSS oval. New recruit David Hala and Mat White.. Picture by Scott Fletcher

DAVID Hala could be the strongest man in the NRL but he’s arrived on the Gold Coast with only one thing on his mind – proving he isn’t a “dud buy”.

The hulking prop has been sweating it out in Titans colours this week after being offloaded by Broncos coach Wayne Bennett.

Hala, 25, who is believed to have ­received a sizeable salary increase in the move, cuts an impressive figure with his 114kg frame capable of bench pressing a remarkable 195kg.

He was the strongest player on Brisbane’s books but that didn’t translate into NRL success.

Hala played just 37 first grade games for the Broncos after debuting in 2009 and he’s determined to forge an NRL ­career on the Gold Coast.

“I’ve got a lot to prove,” Hala said.

“I’ve got to train really hard and get the respect of the boys and trainers and have that belief I can punch out the minutes and wasn’t a dud buy.

“To finish 2014 with no injuries and jump right into pre-season … I’m feeling really good about 2015.

“And (I’m) ready to rip in.

“I’ve got to put in the hard work and do my best for the club.”

Hala’s arrival adds depth to the Titans engine room which has thinned ­following the retirement of 269-game veteran Luke Bailey.

Luke Douglas, Matt White and Nate Myles are now the ­cornerstones with the emerging Ryan James, Mark Ioane, Lachlan Burr and Hala to battle for the supporting roles.

Hala is used to floating between the top and reserve grades but he’s been buoyed by the confidence shown in him by coach Neil Henry.

“There’s a lot of belief from Neil and the trainers,” he said.

“He wants that impact and aggressiveness and to get that conditioning up and make sure I’m playing the minutes for the team.

“I can afford not to do gym for four weeks or something.

“I’ve just got to keep running as long as I can. It’s about running and getting the conditioning up.”

Hala, who’s battled knee, foot and shoulder injuries in the past few years, is a Redcliffe product who came through the Sydney Roosters junior system before returning to Brisbane.

Myles, who was at the Roosters at the same time, said he saw plenty of potential in the hard-running prop.

“He’s definitely a big man. His biceps are like quads,” he said.

“He’s a very hard man to stop. He’s going to be good for us.

“He’ll hopefully bring that punch and energy.”

Myles and halfback Daniel Mortimer are on restricted pre-season duties after suffering calf tightness earlier in the week while the Titans have signed Auckland Vulcans prop Agnatius Paasi on a pre-season deal.