NRL: Hohaia grabs chance after Fisiiahi's ill luck

Glen Fisiiahi was carried from the field. Photo / Getty Images

Glen Fisiiahi has already experienced much in his short NRL career.

There was the uncertain debut, the stunning return that announced his arrival, the new four-year contract and then last night he suffered the agony of what looked like a serious injury. The 20-year-old will have scans today on his left ankle and knee but the way he was carried from the pitch last night would suggest he won't be back any time soon.

But one man's bad luck is another man's good fortune and that is certainly the case for Lance Hohaia.

Hohaia has been at many crossroads throughout his career and, before last night, he might have felt he had arrived at another junction after his axing from fullback.

But he is a survivor. Just when it looked like there might not be any room for him, an opportunity opened up. He took it. Fisiiahi's injury gives him a chance to play his way back to form at fullback and he showed signs of that last night in a performance highlighted by an important try.

"I was obviously pretty disappointed not to be in the side last week," he said. "I had an opportunity tonight and I'm pretty happy with the way I went. I was disappointed with the way I was playing and the way I had started the year. It was the kick in the arse I deserved.

"I thought Fish [Fisiiahi] was outstanding last week. I'm sure he will bounce back and we will all be competing for spots again."

Fisiiahi is a rare talent. He has pace and a knack of popping up on a team-mate's shoulder ready for the offload - qualities that made Wade McKinnon so dangerous in his first season with the Warriors and qualities the Warriors desperately need in 2011, particularly without the injured Manu Vatuvei.

He represents a new breed of Warriors as the club relies more and more heavily on their development programme.

"Fish is sore and disappointed," Warriors coach Ivan Cleary said. "We won't really know any more until he gets scans. Fingers crossed there.

"Lance stepped in very well. It's obviously disappointing for Fish, but it's a great opportunity for Lance. For a guy who's been lacking in a bit of confidence, he will be much better for that [game], which is great for us.

"Lance has just about done it all in that position. I think his confidence is back after tonight. It was probably a good position for him to be thrown back into it."