This week in history: Title winner Feki makes debut

Author: Ashley Taylor Sharks Historian
Timestamp: Wed 8 May 2024, 10:38 AM

The Cronulla Sharks have long had a love affair with flashy outside backs from across the ditch – Richard Barnett, Gerard Beale, Eion Crossan, Dave Watson, Nigel Vagana and, in more recent times, Ronaldo Mulitalo.

During this week, on May 5, 2013, one of the very best from the land of the long white cloud made his debut in the Round 8 match against the Newcastle Knights; that player being Shark number 477, Sosaia Feki.

Born in Auckland, New Zealand, but of Tongan heritage, the Bay Roskill Vikings junior progressed through the grades at the Warriors, starring in the centres for the club's 2010 and 2011 premiership-winning Toyota Cup sides. Feki quickly made a name for himself as a robust outside back capable of finding the tryline.

Feki in his Toyota Cup days for the Warriors.

Despite earning selection in the Junior Kiwis side in 2011, Feki was without a club for the 2012 season.

Cronulla took a gamble on the youngster, signing him as part of one of the club’s strongest recruitment drives to date. Along with Feki, the off-season signings included Todd Carney, Andrew Fifita, Isaac De Gois, Bryce Gibbs, Jeff Robson and Ben Ross. These players added to a roster that had acquired Wade Graham, Jeremy Smith and Sam Tagataese the season prior.

While not able to force his way into the Sharks side in 2012, it was evident from his performances in the lower grades that it was more a case of when, and not if, the shy outside back would be named in coach Shane Flanagan’s starting side.

Feki began the 2013 season in reserve grade, with the coach opting for Jonathan Wright, Beau Ryan and Nathan Stapleton on the flanks.

However, opportunity came knocking this week in 2013 when Feki was called into the side in jumper number 21 to replace Stapleton, who withdrew for personal reasons.

The game didn’t start well for the Sharks, losing skipper Paul Gallen early to a knee injury. Minutes later, the Knights shifted the ball right, intent on targeting the edge occupied by the young Kiwi winger. Dane Gagai shrugged off Sharks centre Wright to give the Knights the best possible start when he crashed over out wide.

A resilient Cronulla hit straight back as Wright went from the outhouse to the penthouse when he straightened on a perfectly timed Todd Carney pass to put the Sharks on the board.

Within minutes, Wright had scored a double and a boilover upset was brewing in the Hunter.

The second half was a see-sawing affair with Feki showcasing his effectiveness through his strong carries out of the back-field as the two sides traded punches all the way to the 80-minute mark.

When referee Gavin Badger signalled fulltime, the scores were locked at 20-all and the 2013 season was about to witness its first golden-point finish.

Cool-headed halfback Robson slotted a field goal in extra time to ensure Feki ended his first game a winner.

Feki remained a constant in the starting side over the next seven seasons at the Sharks, averaging 21 games a season, a true testament to his durability.

When he left the club at the end of the 2019 season, he did so with a 56% win rate. When taking into consideration the terrible 2014 season (wooden spoon), it's no surprise he is held in such high regard by his peers.

The ever-reliable winger will forever remain a legend of the club, a key figure in the Sharks' 2016 premiership side.