When he pulls on his jumper for round 10 of the 2018 season, it will be the blue and white colours of St Pat’s.

The 24-year-old knows it will probably mean he is in for some ‘special’ attention from his Lithgow rivals, but it is a challenge he is looking forward too.

“I played all my juniors there from under 12s all the way through. Then I played under 18s and played a bit of first grade. Straight out of 18s I then played first grade for three years, then went and played with my mates in New Era,” Howarth said.

“I know all of them I’d say. I’d say they might target me … but I can’t wait.”

Howarth has linked with the Saints this season after a stint in the New Era Cup for Wallerawang. He acknowledges it has been a step up in standard, but has no regrets about the move.

“I came here because they just sounded like a good bunch of blokes basically and as soon as I met the coach I wanted to play out there. I knew straight away,” he said.

“Everyone mixes well, every one gets along, so it’s a pleasure to turn up to training. I’m enjoying it.

“Definitely it’s a lot quicker … it’s a little bit of an adjustment, but a good adjustment though, it’s a better comp.”

Howarth has been used at both centre and five-eighth for the Saints this season, but it is expected he will wear the number six on Sunday against Lithgow and in the rounds to come as well.

It means playing alongside Tim Holman in the halves and Howarth is keen to develop that combination.

“I started off in the halves, I was playing five-eighth, then I went into the centres where I’ve played a fair bit of footy too. But now that Josh Merritt has left, I’m back in the halves,” he said.

“It’s been good playing with Timmy. I’ve only played two games with him, but I’ve picked up a few things. We will be slowly learning each others’ game in the next couple of weeks, but we’ll be right.”

How Holman and Howarth steer the Saints will be important as Pat’s looks to climb the Group 10 ladder.

After four consecutive losses – including three by four points or less – the Saints managed to post a 26-all draw with defending premiers Orange CYMS in their most recent outing.

Howarth feels having come back from a 14-point deficit to draw level with CYMS on full-time thanks to a bit of Holman magic is a result which can spark better things from the Saints.

“That’s what we needed, that was a bit of a pick-me-up to get us moving again, get us on the right track. It was nice to have a bit of luck go our way,” he said.

“I definitely think we’ve got the side there to win it, if we get a bit of luck go our way we can just about go all the way with the players we’ve got, having Timmy Holman back. 

“I think we all believe that too, we’ve just got to put it all together now.”

Sunday’s game against Workies at Jack Arrow Sporting Complex starts at 2pm.