What you've heard of Warriors youngster Glen Fisiiahi probably doesn't do him justice.
That fateful day in July last year against the South Sydney Rabbitohs, where the junior sensation sprinted 80-metres only to have the ball knocked from his grasp while prematurely thanking the heavens, is a You Tube hit – 119,129 views and 109 unkind comments and counting.
Fisiiahi has put those demons to bed. This year those knockers will choke on their mockery as the name Fisiiahi takes on positive connotations when, not if, he makes an NRL debut. It won't happen right away, but it will happen, if you ask coach Ivan Cleary.
"Yeah I think he will [debut]. If he continues the way he's going," Cleary said. "When that is I don't know. He's doing everything he can really."
Those in the know will tell you the NYC superstar, asked to do five pre-season interviews this week, has the goods. Last year he ran in 20 tries (3rd in Toyota Cup), 27 line breaks (1st) and 1116 kick-return metres (2nd). And in two 2011 trials he's already impressed with four touch downs.
Cleary is undecided on his right flank spot for the season opener against the Parramatta Eels at Eden Park on March 12. Fisiiahi featured at fullback for the championship-winning junior Warriors but has grasped the vacant right wing role in pre-season.
Kiwis custodian Lance Hohaia forced fellow junior star Kevin Locke to switch to the wing when he made the step up. But that transfer is under intensive scrutiny after Locke's diminutive size caused second year blues. Big Bill Tupou is lurking and Eels recruit Krisnan Inu is another contender, though he could play centre.
Fullback would be a pressure-cooker place to make your debut, making the wing a more viable, safe option. Fisiiahi realises there's an opening. He could crack first-grade sooner than expected.
"Yeah there is [an opportunity]. I've got to train harder, play harder and smarter than them. Do the little things right and the big things will follow," he acknowledged maturely.
The explosive 20-year-old Junior Kiwi put on four kilograms – from 86 to 90kgs – in the off-season to brace himself for the physicality of top-flight footy. He wanted to reach 95kg but the trainer gave him the 'big no' as it would counteract his main asset, blinding speed.
"I feel as fit and as strong and a bit bigger than I was in the 20s," he said. "My main goal for this year is to have my NRL debut. I've just to work hard and stick at it."
The Wesley College prodigy, who took sports dux ahead of New Zealand Sevens stars Frank Halai and David Raikuna in 2008, is playing for his future at the club. He's on a one-year contract with an option.
Only 10 percent of juniors graduate to NRL honours, but Cleary is confident 'Fish' can buck the trend.
As for 'that' blunder, the coach hasn't bothered having a quiet word about pre-try celebrations.
"I haven't had to do that," Cleary quipped. "I think everyone else has done that for me."
