More clubs circling Warriors star
They clicked from their first game together in round one, but the impressive partnership between Peta Hiku and David Fusitu’a is no overnight sensation.
The Warriors’ duo have been a revelation on the right flank, and their combination has helped Fusitu’a to an NRL high 22 tries in 2018.
They’ll be key to the Warriors’ prospects on Saturday against Penrith, especially with their ability to produce the unexpected. That was demonstrated last week against Canberra, when Hiku produced a superb backhanded flick despite being covered by two defenders, and Fusitu’a was one of the few people in the stadium who anticipated the move.
“I talked to him after the game and he said ‘I knew you were there, but when I chucked it I was thinking ‘Man, I hope Fus is still there’,” said Fusitu’a. “Anything that he will throw out to me, I will do my best to reel it in.” Their understanding seems instinctive, but has developed from time training and playing together, as they came through the grades at the Warriors, before Hiku left for Manly at the end of the 2012 season. “We played a lot of junior football and we played [under] 20’s together,” said Fusitu’a. “So right from the start of this season we already had that connection.” That was evident in Fusitu’a’s blistering start to 2018, as he scored 11 tries in the first nine games, including doubles against the Rabbitohs, Raiders, Cowboys and Storm.
Hiku is an old fashioned footballer, with a knack for the unexpected. He draws in defenders with his footwork and sleight of hand, but is always looking to release his winger. The depth of the Warriors this year is summed up by Gerard Beale, who won a premiership with the Sharks in 2016, being on the bench. Beale impressed with his solidity and anticipation in defence during his recent first grade spell, before being injured in the round 23 loss to the Bulldogs. Hiku was recalled, and has performed superbly since.
The Warriors completed their final training session at Mt Smart yesterday, again accompanied by loud music, to simulate the potential atmosphere on Saturday at ANZ Stadium. Simon Mannering took some part in the session, though stayed away from the contact work. Captain Roger Tuivasa-Sheck watched the training, still protecting his sprained left ankle in a brace. The Warriors depart for Sydney this afternoon.