NRL: Injury-plagued Fisiiahi sees Chiefs opening as new start

Glen Fisiiahi. Photo / Brett Phibbs

Old school ties and a yearning for a new beginning after five injury-affected seasons with the Warriors prompted Glen Fisiiahi's code switch to the Chiefs.

Fisiiahi's lightning speed and freakish try-scoring ability had him earmarked for a big career in the NRL, but after debuting for the Warriors in round one of the 2011 season, the 24-year-old's progress was continually hindered by a nightmare run of injuries.

Although he made it on to the park for just one NRL match this season, the Warriors made the former Wesley College First XV star an offer for next year, but a higher authority was guiding him south to Chiefs country.

"I've been speaking to a lot of good people and pastors at my church, and that's been one of the main reasons behind it, so it's all good," said Fisiiahi.

"They made me an offer but I just thought it was time for a change.

"It felt like a godly thing, too. It was more God driven, to make this move, and I just felt like if there was a time, right now would be a good time to make the switch."

His frustrations are understandable considering various physical ailments limited him to just 25 NRL appearances from a possible 121 games in five years, with a torn pec and shoulder reconstruction ruining much of the past two seasons.

After returning to NSW Cup duty this year, he was then sidelined by a knee problem in mid-April, and despite making it back into the NRL side for the round 20 clash against Manly, he has been unable to shake the recurring injury.

"Frustrating is an understatement," he said.

"It's been tough. Everything that's happening in my life right now, it's all happening for a reason.

"Looking back at it now, it was all character building, if anything. I'd be on a roll and then something would happen.

"So with my shift to union, if there's a time, then right now would be the best time."

Fisiiahi knows he has plenty to work on in his return to rugby, but believes the Chiefs' tight-knit environment and culture can only help him to succeed.

"My main focus is just on making the Chiefs squad first and then playing consistently week-in, week-out.

"I have no doubts I'll be learning a lot from [coach] Dave Rennie and a few of the players there that I used to go to school with, like Augustine Pulu, and I'll be just feeding off them.

"Having talked to a few of the boys that I went to school with, they love it down there with the feeling of brotherhood they have.

"They have built a really good culture, a winning culture, and that was one of the main things that attracted me."

Unsure whether his troublesome knee will allow him to play again this season, Fisiiahi has mixed feelings about moving on from the Warriors.

"I'm never going to be a part of a group like this again.

"There's a few players leaving and I'm just going to enjoy the boys' company."

Glen Fisiiahi

• Age: 24
• Position: Fullback, wing.
• Height: 1.84m Weight: 94kg
• NRL appearances: 25 Tests: 3 " Tonga
• Junior Football: Ellerslie Eagles,
• Wesley College First XV.