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Chay Fihaki to put pressure on Will Jordan after extending stay with Crusaders
By Online Editors
Dynamic young utility back Chay Fihaki has re-signed with the Crusaders, presenting exciting prospects for the team taking the field in the 2023 season.
Fihaki signed with the Crusaders in 2020 as a 19-year-old and has since gone from strength to strength, playing seven matches in the red and black and showing great potential.
During his youth career Fihaki played through the midfield but as he has progressed through Canterbury and Crusaders development pathways, he has nestled into a role at fullback.
Fihaki’s mission for 2023 will be to soak up as much knowledge as possible from some of his All Black teammates.
“I’m feeling excited about the season coming up. 2023 will be another year for me to grow, especially learning off the more senior players and All Blacks,” Fihaki said.
“My focus will definitely be on being more confident and backing my skillset.”
Fihaki’s X-Factor has been outlined by Crusaders head coach Scott Robertson, who said, “Chay has a massive boot and the ability to create something from nothing.”
Fihaki made just three starts and six appearances for the Crusaders throughout this year's title-winning campaign thanks to the presence of some heavy artillery in the outside backs.
With the likes of Will Jordan, Sevu Reece, David Havili and Leicester Fainga'anuku all on the books for next year, Fihaki will once again face a massive challenge to earn minutes for the Super Rugby Pacific champions, but the likely absence of George Bridge will at least open up some more opportunities for the youngster.
Fihaki has been a relevant constant at the back for Canterbury throughout this year's NPC season and with more experience under his belt, will be looking to put pressure on Jordan for the Crusaders fullback berth next season.
- with Crusaders Rugby
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Latest Comments
No just because the personal is much better than last year. I've shown no antagonism of Crusader players, you must be confusing me with someone else.
I have critized Razor for picking players he knows occasionally?
I said I'm not surprised because of his style, he's more a grinder player like Cane, not going to show up on peoples radar until you see how bad the other choices are. This year players like Clarke have been on fire and just show a bit more.
Are you one of those posters continually taking it easy on Razor because he doesn't have his Crusaders stars available? Do you think the rugby world is going to up to him suddenly once Mo'unga returns? lol
Go to commentsJohn you have been beating this drum for a couple of years, if you get proven right get back to us.
The last recent and decent Aussie coach was Ewen McKenzie, he was undermined and forced out by a couple of slimy Aussie players who were given a free pass when they should have been disciplined.
So our history since McQueen is very checkered and it seems to make little difference whether we have an Aussie coach or a Kiwi coach. The players have been entitled for a long time and we had to hit bottom to get them back into reality and to stop thinking it is all about them.
Cheika was an OK coach but his 'go our and destroy the opposition' tactic worked for a while and then didn't.
Please give me a list of great Aussie coaches that I have missed.
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