When
Heino arrived in Penzance back in 2004, he must have had certain reservations.
It was a week when gale force winds, lashing rain and high tides pounded the town
of Penzance - conditions so severe that the temporary stand at the Mennaye was
all but blown into the adjacent boating pool!
Joining
on loan from Cardiff - Heino made his debut against the English Blues - Bedford,
on the 31st October, 2004 - as a flanker. Promoted from the bench in place of
the injured Tim Cowley, he showed up well and certainly played his part as the
Pirates displayed all the tricks and treats required to achieve victory on Hallowe'en.
Described
by Jim McKay as a 'big hulk of timber', Heino was expected to be a quality player
who would add some real beef to the Pirates pack. He'd played at Currie Cup level,
and had also represented his country in the Rugby World Cup (1999 and 2003).
Heino
has been a tower of strength in our pack, helping form formidable second-row pairings
alongside firstly Will James, and then Joe Beardshaw. His work in the tight and
at the set piece is mightily impressive, but he is much more than a 'dog' of a
forward. Give him the ball on the hoof and yardage is guaranteed, not forgetting
his knack of also being able to score an occasional important try.
Yes,
he might have arrived on loan, but he's never looked back - us all knowing that
he'd not be put off by a little wind and rain!
