Lauderdale forward line looks as versatile as ever with return of rugby convert Toutai Havea

Rugby convert Toutai Havea has provided Lauderdale with some X-factor in previous TSL seasons. He has returned in 2020 bulked up and set to terrorise opposition defenders.

Toutai Havea spent much of the pre-season bulking up and he now cuts an imposing figure in the Lauderdale forward line. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

A HEAVILY focused weight-based off-season might cost Toutai Havea some of his spring but the rugby convert looks set to become a nightmare for opposition TSL defenders this season.

Having played in the 2017 and 2018 grand final defeats, the powerful Tongan returned to Lauderdale after taking last year off and had an immediate impact against Clarence at SkyBus Oval.

Lauderdale's Toutai Havea competes with Glenorchy's Mitchell Rainbird in the ruck in 2018. Picture: PATRICK GEE

Havea — who was crowned the 2016 Matthew Richardson Medal winner — cut an imposing figure in the forward line with his added size, finishing with a match-high three goals as the Bombers ran out 41-point victors.

His first came from a set shot 20m in front in the first quarter when he marked a quick kick forward, before booting the last two majors of the second term in quick succession.

Lauderdale coach Darren Winter revealed after the match the 23-year-old was preparing himself for another season in rugby before being lured back to the State League.

“He had a pre-season on the weights to play rugby again, and we got him back to the club,” Winter said.

“One-on-one, he is very, very strong. He just pushes blokes around and he had a full pre-season which is different, so his skills and football knowledge have picked up a bit.

“He is going to be exciting to watch throughout the year.”

Despite the Bombers’ forward line undergoing an overhaul without the likes of Jacob Gillbee, Matthew Elliott and Ryan Wiggins, the 2020 version looks as versatile as ever.

Lauderdale’s Tyler Martin feeds out a handball while being tackled by Clarence’s James Bealey. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

Havea was joined as a key target by Jarrod Westell who looked dangerous at times but didn’t kick a goal, Tyler Martin (two goals) was impressive as a higher half forward while Jake Dance will be a more than handy inclusion stepping up from the SFL.

“It is the first time our forward line has been able to stick to a structure we have put in place since I have been at the club,” Winter said.

“That was the most pleasing thing.”