A stint with the Melbourne Rebels has helped Zac Hough find his best form since returning for Wests in 2023.

Thriving in the reigning premier’s openside flanker role, Hough and his team are beginning to hit their straps as the season’s back half grind begins.

“I’m just trying to have a year in my rugby where I feel confident with everything I do and working on little things that I know could make my game a whole lot better,” Hough told Rugby News.

“I feel when I’m doing this, I’m putting my best foot forward for the dogs and together the team gets results.”

After four consecutive, high-scoring wins, before a narrow defeat to UQ in round 12, Wests are primed for another assault on finals.

They weren’t always in this position however, starting the year with the sluggishness that comes from winning last year’s title.

Hough believes early complacency in 2023 has been the catalyst needed to reinforce Wests’ attitude and determination that carried them to breaking a 16-year drought.

“I felt the idea was in our heads at the start of the year and we thought that this year would be a walk in the park but after the first couple rounds we got that kicked out of us and we haven’t even brought up the fact that we won the comp last year.

“I feel it was a matter of cohesion at the start of the year letting us down with results.”

The team’s rejuvenated connection is largely dependent on players being willing to sacrifice their role for others, according to the No.7.

“There’s a lot of us coming in from super clubs now and we know that we are not better than anybody else, and our job is to play footy to our best standards and get results and that is what we have started to do.”

That’s the approach Hough himself has carried into this season with the Bulldogs, following a stretch with the Rebels in recent years.

Receiving the full backing of his coach since returning to the side as a regular, Hough has felt empowered to implement lessons from the top level and enjoy playing for the Bulldogs as a result.

“Honestly, I feel like I’m putting my best foot forward out on the paddock, I have been trying to implement a lot of learnings from Melbourne into my game which have been successful so far.

“Knowing I’m being backed to do the job at seven by Elwee allows me to play my game.

 “I’m having fun out on the field and have a lot of confidence on where my game is at now.”

Despite being fully intent on making Wests’ back-to-back premiers in 2023, Hough is keeping one eye on what lies ahead.

Maintaining his current form and attitude for the Bulldogs will undoubtedly hold the flanker in great stead for higher honours.

“I’d love to go into next year down in Melbourne with a whole lot of confidence that I’m able to perform at Super Rugby level.”