Howell has returned to the Blacks after a season in Canberra with the ACT Brumbies academy squad.

The 20-year-old relished the experience in the national capital but the grind of working full-time combined with the cut-throat environment of the squad took its toll.

‘‘I learned a lot,’’ Howell said.

‘‘The rugby was a bit faster and more technical.

‘‘That was all good, but it was a different environment. It was a dog-eat-dog world.

‘‘Also they changed the way they have put the academy squad together this season, and that made it an easier decision [to return] as well.’’

Howell has now set his sights on the Newcastle representative team.

The 110-kilogram ball-running back-rower or lock is in the train-on squad which is in camp in Nelson Bay today and tomorrow and hopes to make his Newcastle debut at the Bondi 10s next weekend.

‘‘There is still a representative pathway through Newcastle and then NSW Country,’’ Howell said.

‘‘Obviously the competition is very strong.

‘‘I can’t take anything for granted, but so far it has been good.’’

Apart from training five sessions a week with the academy, Howell also played club rugby for Uni- Norths in Canberra.

At the end of the academy program, he had a short stint with Sydney University colts.

‘‘I could have stayed in Sydney, but I was pretty keen to get home,’’ the apprentice plumber said.

Before heading to Canberra, Howell, who lives in Hawks Nest, played a big part in the Blacks’ fairytale run to the 2010 Newcastle and Hunter grand final.

‘‘We had a great year and that was also in the back of my mind,’’ he said.

‘‘I’m keen to get back to enjoying my rugby again.’’

Howell is one of six back-rowers, alongside Hamilton trio Va Talaileva, Steve Sione and Chris Stratton, Nelson Bay veteran Marty Lisiua and Blacks teammate James Johnston, in the Newcastle squad.

His versatility – he expects to line up in the second row – will almost certainly ensure he is a part of the final 25-man Newcastle squad which will chase a fifth straight country title.