SOSAIA Feki had nowhere to run. . .
Overweight and in and out of the New Zealand under-20s team in Auckland, he was told bluntly he was unwanted past last season.
"The Sharks were my last chance — my only chance, to tell the truth," said the winger, relaxing after he and fullback Michael Gordon scored two tries each in the Sharks 38-10 win over the Penrith Panthers at Remondis Stadium.
"I had no future in New Zealand, no one else seemed to need me but through my manager the Sharks offered me some hope."
Feki and his partner made the move to Sutherland Shire, clinging to that glimmer of hope. But not being included in the team's top 25, obviously there were no guarantees.
He buckled down and trained hard in the off season and ripped a staggering 12 kilograms off his 102kg frame — earning a contract for this season and a club option for 2014.
Feki dreamed he might one day make an NRL player but said he was happy just to be playing well in Cronulla's unbeaten NSW Cup side. Then came the big call up three months ago.
"First grade had a few injuries but I was still surprised when the coach called me in to make my first grade debut on the wing," said Feki, who was more used to playing centre.
Despite initial apprehension about receiving and dropping more high balls out wide, Feki gradually improved, playing 11 first grade games and finding the tryline five times.
"Fielding the high ball was pretty scary and I'm still doing plenty of practice between games," he said.
"But I'm just thrilled to be part of such a great Sharks team."
Now, Saturday afternoon can't come fast enough for the slim-line Feki.
His old club hosts the Sharks at Mount Smart Stadium and plenty of family will come to support the Cronulla winger in a stadium that will be filled mainly with Warriors fans.
Mostly, Feki wants to prove just a point or two against his old club, now on a roll and pushing strongly for a spot in the top eight.
Sporting the widest grin in a happy Sharks dressing room on Sunday, he said: "You could say I want to beat the Warriors, badly. Real badly."
