So-so start but Feki passes finals test
Scoring a match-winning try seemed like a distant dream for Cronulla winger Sosaia Feki, who left his native New Zealand for a contract ''not worth much'' to join Cronulla two years ago.
His first finals appearance may have had a fairytale ending but it started horridly, dropping a regulation kick from Johnathan Thurston with his first touch in Cronulla's 20-18 win against North Queensland on Saturday.
''I don't know what was going through my head,'' Feki said. ''As soon as it hit Thurston's foot I saw it coming my way. I don't know what happened there, I just lost sight of the ball. Sometimes [errors] get to my head, but all the boys said don't worry about it and just carry on. After losing the ball with your first touch, you've got to get the ball and run hard.''
And run hard he did, eventually crossing for the match-winner in the 73rd minute.
''It wasn't really because of me, that try,'' Feki said. ''The middles ran good lines and Jeff Robson saw I was free and chucked me the ball and I just grabbed it to score. I was just so happy to score the match-winner.''
Feki arrived on Australian shores at 102 kilograms, after being dumped by the Warriors despite winning two premierships with their under-20s team.
After spending his childhood playing rugby league, Feki gave up on the sport in his teens, switching to union. But his love of the game drew him back and into the Warriors' set-up.
''Sharks was my last option and I took it up,'' Feki said. ''It was a big move for me to move away from my family but I am really happy I took it. I came with my partner and I don't know where I would be if she didn't come with me.''
After spending his first season at the club in NSW Cup, Feki has been a revelation this year. He hasn't missed a game since making his NRL debut in round eight, and Cronulla's NSW Cup coach Tony Herman said Feki had worked hard in the off-season.
''He was big and strong when he was in the 20s but when he played against men he had to work on his game a lot more,'' Herman said. ''He had a lot of work to do on his athleticism and agility. He has come a long way.
''He starts your sets very well and he can find a try.''
Feki credits part of his rapid rise to reining in his love of food from McDonald's. Now at 94 kilograms, after getting as low as 90kg following a strenuous pre-season, Feki is hopeful of committing to the Sharks long term.
His two-year second-tier contract ends after this season. ''My contract isn't worth much but when you're playing first grade it's worth it,'' the 22-year-old said. ''It's been my dream to make my NRL debut and especially to do it at the Sharks. I hope the club wants me because I love the Cronulla lifestyle.''
Scoring a match-winning try seemed like a distant dream for Cronulla winger Sosaia Feki, who left his native New Zealand for a contract ''not worth much'' to join Cronulla two years ago.
His first finals appearance may have had a fairytale ending but it started horridly, dropping a regulation kick from Johnathan Thurston with his first touch in Cronulla's 20-18 win against North Queensland on Saturday.
''I don't know what was going through my head,'' Feki said. ''As soon as it hit Thurston's foot I saw it coming my way. I don't know what happened there, I just lost sight of the ball. Sometimes [errors] get to my head, but all the boys said don't worry about it and just carry on. After losing the ball with your first touch, you've got to get the ball and run hard.''
And run hard he did, eventually crossing for the match-winner in the 73rd minute.
''It wasn't really because of me, that try,'' Feki said. ''The middles ran good lines and Jeff Robson saw I was free and chucked me the ball and I just grabbed it to score. I was just so happy to score the match-winner.''
Feki arrived on Australian shores at 102 kilograms, after being dumped by the Warriors despite winning two premierships with their under-20s team.
After spending his childhood playing rugby league, Feki gave up on the sport in his teens, switching to union. But his love of the game drew him back and into the Warriors' set-up.
''Sharks was my last option and I took it up,'' Feki said. ''It was a big move for me to move away from my family but I am really happy I took it. I came with my partner and I don't know where I would be if she didn't come with me.''
After spending his first season at the club in NSW Cup, Feki has been a revelation this year. He hasn't missed a game since making his NRL debut in round eight, and Cronulla's NSW Cup coach Tony Herman said Feki had worked hard in the off-season.
''He was big and strong when he was in the 20s but when he played against men he had to work on his game a lot more,'' Herman said. ''He had a lot of work to do on his athleticism and agility. He has come a long way.
''He starts your sets very well and he can find a try.''
Feki credits part of his rapid rise to reining in his love of food from McDonald's. Now at 94 kilograms, after getting as low as 90kg following a strenuous pre-season, Feki is hopeful of committing to the Sharks long term.
His two-year second-tier contract ends after this season. ''My contract isn't worth much but when you're playing first grade it's worth it,'' the 22-year-old said. ''It's been my dream to make my NRL debut and especially to do it at the Sharks. I hope the club wants me because I love the Cronulla lifestyle.''
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