THE speed of Charles Fielder's pass was the first thing that Nelson Bay coach Michael Wiringi noticed.
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Fielder rejoined his home-town club last month after 12 months with the Hunter Wildfires playing in the Sydney competition.
The 25-year-old halfback didn't get as many opportunities as he had hoped in the Shute Shield, but Wiringi has no doubts that he is a far more polished player.
"Being in that environment and training with and against the next level of player, he has looked at them and taken a bit of their game and added it to his," Wiringi said. "Previously I have played outside Charles at 10. He came back to training and the speed of his pass compared to before was so much quicker.
"When you have guys like Chad Northcott in the backline, you want to give them as much time and space as possible. Quick service from the halfback makes a big difference.
"If anything he is probably working harder on his game now. He gets to training early and works on his passing and box kicks."
Fielder crossed for two tries in the Bays' 43-17 loss to Hamilton on Saturday. The second, in particular, was a sign of the growth in his game. From a scrum under pressure, he dummied to the open side, swivelled and darted down the short side, selling another dummy to cross in the corner.
"He is taking on more responsibility and developing into a leader," Wiringi said. "On Tuesday night we were doing a ruck drill and he pulled one of the the the young guys aside and gave him some quick advice. He didn't hesitate to help a younger guy out."
Fielder lives in Newcastle and works as a primary school teacher in Karuah. The easy option would have been to join a club closer to home.
"I was keen to give it another crack at the Wildfires after I got injured last year," he told Maul and All. "I wanted to push myself and see how far I could go.
"I wasn't enjoying it totally. I remembered why I played footy and that was to be with the boys I have always been with at home.
"I have always played for the Bay. I love the club. It was awesome coming through the juniors and then as a colt into the senior system.
"The senior boys - Chad Northcott, Adam Edwards and Michael Hotene - are awesome boys to be around. I have formed a good connection with Chad. It is awesome to look up and know where each other is going to be."
After winning four of the opening five games, the Bay have lost three straight to Maitland (33-18), Merewether (55-7) and Hamilton (43-17).
Next are second-placed Wanderers at No.2 sportsground on Saturday.
"The middle part of the season has been tough," Fielder said. "We need to look inwards at ourselves and focus on our game. Be confident in our ability to bend the line and execute. I wasn't there in round one [a 24-13 loss to Wanderers) but the boys gave it to them. We are so keen. We realise how important each game is from here on in."
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