League: Dream comes true as rookie steps up

Too quick... David Fusitu'a is strong on attack, and his captain believes he will go far. Photo / Getty Images

Attacking skills and finishing ability mark Fusitu'a as a player with a Warriors future.

Two unspectacular outings in twin defeats to the St George Illawarra Dragons didn't give any hint of the attacking brilliance of rookie Warriors' winger David Fusitu'a.

But a pair of eye-catching performances against the Storm and Titans helped him overcome a difficult introduction to the NRL and proved Fusitu'a deserves a place among the Warriors backline of young stars.

"It's been hard. It's a huge step up from the Under 20s and New South Wales Cup, especially the professionalism," the 19-year old Kiwi-born Tongan explains.

"Just the expectations and pressure, the physicality of the game, the speed of the game - everything just goes up a notch when you play first grade.

"But I'm enjoying it. It's something that I'd always dreamed about doing."

In his third start, the Warriors' Anzac Day win in Melbourne, an acrobatic one-handed putdown gave him his first NRL try, and two more in last Saturday's win on the Gold Coast reinforced his potential.

As well as his finishing ability, Fusitu'a has shown great awareness and confidence to twice sneak offloads away and put halfback Shaun Johnson in for tries.

"It just comes. He's always there at the right time and when the offload is on he's there and credit to him, he's pushing up with the play," he said.

Fusitu'a comes from a football loving family, his father, Edwin, having represented Auckland in league before guiding his son through his younger football career.

"I grew up playing league until I reached high school and then I dabbled in rugby. I played 1st XV for Kelston Boys and then my love of rugby league pulled me back in seventh form.

"My dad loves both codes and he's always encouraged me to play whichever one I wanted to and he's 100 per cent behind me."

The Marist club product starred for the Warriors Under 20s over the past two seasons and earned a place in the 2012 Junior Kiwis team.

He credits fellow Warriors youngsters and outside backs, Ngani Laumape and Konrad Hurrell with inspiring his rapid rise into first grade.

"He [Laumape] was my centre when we were playing, so I was outside him.

"He's been going really well and it's great to see the younger New Zealand talent come through the grades and playing first grade.

"It was huge seeing them go up, because it showed we can strive for that level as well.

"I got my shot this year and I just want to keep on improving. I'm working especially hard on my defence. I've had a few hiccups in my past games in grade but the older boys have been helping me."

Warriors captain Simon Mannering has high praise for Fusitu'a, and says he has all the qualities to go far in the NRL.

"He's always been earmarked to make his debut ," Mannering said. "He's done a great job so far and I'm sure he'll play many more games for the club.

"He's eager to learn and he's got all the skills. It's just a matter of him getting the experience.

"You definitely go through some highs and lows early in your career but that's all part of learning. That will come and I'm sure he'll be better for it."

Mannering knows more than anyone else at the Warriors, what hard work and dedication can bring. Tomorrow's game against the Newcastle Knights at Mt Smart Stadium will mark his double milestone of 200 games and 100 as skipper.

"It's more something you look back on when you finish playing, but I'll savour the moment and it's been a privilege to have a chance to play that many games for the club," he said.

"I have the family coming up so it will be a proud day for them. It's an important game and we definitely want to get the two points in our first game back here."