GROUND down by his injuries in rugby league, former Broncos and Titans forward David Hala is taking a shot at another sport.

Hala, 27, is taking tentative steps in shot put with coach Des Davis after being identified by the Queensland Academy of Sport as a likely prospect in the field event.

Hala said it’s another post-football involvement, on top of his air conditioner and refrigeration mechanic apprenticeship, which has helped him move from the career in which he played 39 NRL games.

David Hala in the QSAC main stadium shot put circle. Picture: Ric Frearson Source: News Corp Australia

Round 20

“I’m loving getting in the grind of the real world, as my wife Robyn says,’’ Hala said.

“I mentally was sick and tired of getting injured. I was happy and proud with what I did with rugby league and how it ended – I played for two great clubs.

“I had to think about the future and how my body was.

“Leaving footy, it’s a huge void in your life. I’ve been good, had great support from my family and friends. Just being able to spend time with them because I couldn’t so much when I was playing in the NRL.

David Hala in his trademark taped wrists. Picture: Darren England Source: News Corp Australia

“To get the opportunity to learn a new sport and hopefully take it to another level would be great.

“It’s still early days with athletics. I’m jumping into a new sport and learning.’’

QAS conditioner Andrew Croll and video analyst Josh Carius, both formerly at the Broncos, put Hala in touch with QAS talent identification staff when he decided not to play league this year in the Intrust Super Cup.

At a league playing weight of 113kg, the former Australian Schoolboys forward has the force to make the shot go a long way, but technique will be hard won.

“My coach Des was pretty impressed and they jagged me a six-month scholarship program,’’ Hala said.

“Coming from rugby league, mentally you have to be really strong and have that drive to succeed.

Hala in action for the Titans in 2015. Picture: Colleen Petch Source: News Corp Australia

“To get to a nationals and compete around Australia, or higher than that, I definitely think mentally and physically I can get there. I’m hoping with the guidance of the QAS and my coach I can go somewhere with it. I wouldn’t have agreed to try if I was concerned about my body holding up.’’

Hala keeps in touch with some former NRL teammates, mainly on social media.

“I’m really happy to see a lot of the guys doing well, like Ben Hunt and Andrew McCullough, who I played with in the (Broncos) under-20s,’’ he said.

“I’m happy to have been mates with them and I’ll always like watching rugby league.’’

The state titles in February is an obvious early shot put competition for Hala, who hurt his knee and dislocated his elbow during a 2016 stint with the Titans which had to be curtailed after two NRL matches for Gold Coast.

“I’ve been watching elite shot putters on Youtube. It’s amazing how they get it that far,’’ he said.