Loudon returned to the side for the first time in three years on Saturday, with the bowler in rare territory by opening the batting.
And it is batting where he will have the most influence, at least in coming weeks, as he recovers from a shoulder injury.
The 23 year-old has been playing against some of the state’s best cricketers recently, spending the last two seasons with the Penrith Cricket Club in the NSW Premier Cricket competition.
Loudon was playing for Penrith’s second grade side during the 2018/19 season before injury struck.
‘‘I’ve decided to come back to the Rhinos due to a shoulder injury I picked up in round four,’’ he said.
‘‘I haven’t played much cricket at all this season. I tore ligaments in my ankle playing footy during our cricket pre-season and I missed round one only to come back and play two games of second grade before I dislocated my shoulder diving in the field to stop a boundary.
‘‘I originally didn’t think I’d be out for too long but the Christmas break was getting closer so I ended up deciding I wasn’t going to bowl again this season because it wasn’t getting any better at that stage.
‘‘I figured I didn’t want to waste the rest of the season playing in a low grade at Penrith because I’ve never been given a chance to bat since I’ve been there.
‘‘I spoke to Toddy (Rhinos captain Brad Todd) about a possible return as a batsman for the rest of the season and he was happy enough for me to come back.
‘‘I feel like I owe a few of the older guys who got the Rhinos up and running at the very start a premiership.
‘‘The Rhinos certainly helped me achieve one of my major goals, which was to play first grade cricket in Sydney, so I feel like I owe it to those guys that made it happen.
‘‘There’s nothing I’d love more than to help these blokes win a much deserved flag.’’
Loudon’s commitment to the side shines through, with the star bowler living in Sydney and travelling back to play for the Rhinos each weekend.
With the Rhinos sitting third on the ladder, and in a good position to secure a top two finish, Loudon believes they have the squad to get the job done.
‘‘I think we have a good enough side to go all the way,’’ he side.
‘‘It’s obviously very exciting to get the opportunity to play in a grand final, so if we do get there, it will be all about going that one step further and winning it, which I believe we can.’’
While in unchartered waters by opening the batting last week, Loudon embraces the challenge, saying that it will be a great opportunity to work on his batting craft.
‘‘I actually like opening the batting,’’ he said.
‘‘I certainly prefer the new ball coming onto the bat so hopefully I can make the most of it when given the opportunity.
‘‘I haven’t had much of a chance to work on my batting but I think the best thing is just to spend time out in the middle, so that’s the plan at the moment and hopefully I’m firing come finals time.
‘‘My shoulder is getting better every week so I’m hoping to be back bowling in the next few weeks.’’
Loudon is likely to bat again tomorrow as the Rhinos prepare to secure an outright win against Katamatite on the second day of their two day clash.
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