Glen Fisiiahi of the Warriors celebrates after scoring. Photo / Getty Images
One of young fullback Glen Fisiiahi's main thoughts after helping the New Zealand Warriors break their NRL duck today was just to get some down time.
Fisiiahi, 20, put his tough debut against Parramatta three weeks ago behind him as he grabbed two tries in a 26-18 win over Cronulla
in Taupo.
Having struggled under the bombs that the Eels sent his way in his only other NRL appearance, he was secure under the high ball against the Sharks.
He also played a key role in the late try that clinched victory for the Warriors.
He was on hand to latch on to a Feleti Mateo offload to scoot down the sideline in a move that ended with winger Krisnan Inu dotting down.
"It feels good," the quietly-spoken Fisiiahi said.
"A bit tired now and I just can't wait to get home and relax."
Both of Fisiiahi's tries showed off his searing pace and elusiveness.
In the first, he had to pull in a difficult pass from winger Bill Tupou, while he stepped his marker from a scrum for his second.
Fisiiahi admitted that he had thought all week about having to fill the shoes of the experienced Lance Hohaia, who was dropped for the match.
"I just thought I'd go out there and do my job, do my best, then I wouldn't be disappointed."
Meanwhile, finally getting a win had been a boost to team confidence.
"Stoked," he said, "the vibe between the brothers now is pretty good."
Coach Ivan Cleary said Fisiiahi who is nicknamed 'Fish' by his peers, had demonstrated his strength of character in the way he had come back from his display against Parramatta.
"I think he probably used up a bit of nervous energy during the week," he said.
"He takes it very seriously and, when you're playing only your second first-grade game, the team's not winning and you know you're going to be a target, it's a big job.
"He's certainly got a lot of character."
Cleary said there were times Fisiiahi had looked tired during the match, which was not surprising for someone just coming into the NRL.
"Next thing you know, he scores a try off the scrum," he said.
"That's the sort of talent he is. He will be much better for today."
- NZPA, Herald Online
