NRL: Speedsters well worth backing

Glen Fisiiahi scoring for the Warriors. Photo / Getty Images.

Channel Nine commentator Phil Gould could barely contain himself as Glen Fisiiahi tore up Leichhardt Oval in Sydney on a 100m sprint against the Tigers in May.

"I want to be on him next start Rabbits [co-commentator Ray Warren]," Gould screamed over a replay of the fledgling Warriors back giving up a 15m head start to Konrad Hurrell and then gunning down the entire field to embrace Hurrell at the try line. "Wherever he races I want to be on him. That is a certainty!"

Well, maybe not, Gus. Fisiiahi, who returns to the Warriors tomorrow on the wing after recovering from a knee injury, believes fullback Kevin Locke is quicker than him. Locke graciously returns the compliment by suggesting Fisiiahi is faster, however James Maloney would be willing to take Gould's wager.

"I'll always back Kevvy, he seems to glide across the ground," Maloney said. "If I had some cash I'd be backing him."

It's a debate that's not likely to be settled any time soon. One thing is for certain, with Locke and Fisiiahi teaming in a starting side for just the second time, and fellow fliers Shaun Johnson and Hurrell in the line-up, the Warriors won't lack pace in tomorrow's must-win match against the depleted Cowboys. "If chances come and we are able to get them in the clear they are good bets to convert," coach Brian McClenann said.

Getting clear is something Fisiiahi has struggled to do in two brief, injury-hit stints in the NRL side this season. Opposition teams have locked him down and beaten him up, negating his speed. So far, it has been another season of frustration for Fisiiahi. He has shredded defences in the NSW Cup - on one occasion scoring six tries in a match - but been put through the wringer in the NRL.

Against the Tigers he demonstrated plenty of grit during a steady second-half barrage of pressure. The upswing in fortune didn't last long, with a knee injury suffered a week later once again forcing him from the field.

"I walked away from that [Tigers] game knowing I did my job really well. I carried that into the Storm game so getting injured sort of sucked. It is real frustrating, especially when you are trying to find your feet and string a few games together. It is tough but it is all about getting back up."

Fluctuating fortune has been the theme of Fisiiahi's brief career.

If he's after inspiration, he need look no further than his partner in speed Locke. After a sparkling early run in NRL, Locke went through some serious growing pains.

"As you build your confidence up you come to read the game a bit more," Locke said. "Early on you start getting found out, people start reading your game and you've got to try to change things here and there to help your game grow. That's what I've been doing."