For the next month or so, Nathan Fien will be holidaying in Cairns, North Queensland barely a week after he helped the Kiwis wrestle the world cup away from The Kangaroos. The possible fiery reaction from Australian fans though is the last thing on his mind.
After a starring role in New Zealand’s 34-20 World Cup final victory in Brisbane on Saturday night, Fien is hoping his form in the international tournament will lead to him staying at the New Zealand Warriors beyond next year.
Having famously spent two years in international exile after the ‘Grannygate’ affair in 2006, Fien has bounced back tremendously well to now find himself displaying the most consistent form of his career.
Whether it was his enthusiastic approach in a stirring Haka for the Kiwis, or his rise in form, Fien has earned the right to keep his place as New Zealand halfback until the next World Cup in 2013 and deserves to fight for a long-term spot with the Warriors.
Fien, 29, comes off contract at the end of 2009 and, in the middle of this year, the club told him he could look for a career elsewhere.
But with a settled family and a desire to continue representing New Zealand, Fien prefers to stay in Auckland rather than head to the English Super League.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding his club future, Fien has grown in stature in 2008, hitting form at the tail end of the NRL season after being shifted from hooker to his favoured position of halfback.
Indeed, this occurred at the World Cup, where Fien started at dummy half but was then moved to halfback for the rest of the tournament.
What came next for Fien was two man-of-the-match performances against England, while his efforts in the final against Australia also proved to be very decisive.
His kicking game was effective, especially the kick that led to a repeat set that brought the Kiwis’ opening try via lock Jeremy Smith, not to mention his earlier effort for a possible Benji Marshall four pointer.
Fien’s grubber for Hohaia’s penalty try near the climax of the match was the turning point for New Zealand.
Warriors legend Stacey Jones’ work as kicking coach this year has been a key factor in Fien’s progression from first grader to World Cup winner.
It’s amusing, then, to find Fien engaged in a hotly contested battle for the halfback spot at the Warriors next season, with Jones his most likely adversary for the position.
Jones’ decision to return to the NRL after a three-year absence will put plenty of pressure on Fien.
But having learned the tricks of the trade from ‘the little general’ himself, Fien has displayed enough form to suggest he will once again become an integral part of the Warriors 2009 premiership campaign, with or without Jones’ help.
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