THE levels of anticipation for Bathurst Panthers’ 2017 Group 10 premier league season have gone from high to extreme after the team this week announced the signing of former club member and talented halfback Doug Hewitt.
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After stints in the junior ranks of several NRL clubs plus time in Queensland Cup, Hewitt brings a wealth of experience back to Bathurst at the age of just 23.
Hewitt is back home to help out on the family farm and is excited to rejoin the men in black next season.
“I’ve been on the road for about seven years now. I’ve done a bit over those seven years but I’m looking forward to settling down here,” Hewitt said.
“I’m still not over the hill but I thought I needed to look at a couple of other options.
“It would have been back in under 18s the last time I played here and then when I was 19 I moved to Sydney.”
In trips across several NSW and Queensland clubs Hewitt has experienced some amazing moments.
He showed his potential several years ago when he was asked to trial with the North Queensland Cowboys over the 2013-14 pre-season, getting to run alongside one of the game’s greatest players in Johnathan Thurston.
Hewitt singled out that experience as a career highlight and a “surreal” moment.
One of his other memorable experiences was a 2013 under 20s NRL premiership with the Penrith Panthers.
Hewitt lost his 2015 season to a knee injury before getting valuable match fitness back this year at Tweed Heads.
Over his time away from Bathurst Hewitt has developed flexibility in his game, showcasing an ability to play across several positions.
“In the last couple of years I’ve actually played a little bit all over the paddock. I played mainly halfback and five-eighth. I played a fair bit of hooker and fullback and even a couple of games at lock,” Hewitt said.
“I’m pretty sure I’ll be playing in the halves next year. I’ve been talking to Toddy [Todd Barrow, Bathurst Panthers coach] a little bit and I think that’s where they will be playing me. They’ve signed unreal this year, they’ve got a great forward pack and it should be a good year to be playing off the back of that.
“I really looking forward to just getting back and playing a bit of country footy. Up there you’re always watching your tail and playing for a position. Back here you’re playing for your mates.”
