Max Norey made his Exeter debut in 2019 but has had to wait until this season to nail down a regular place in the Chiefs' matchday squad, patiently learning his trade in lower leagues.
The 24-year old hooker, who scored a try hat-trick against the Scarlets in a friendly last week, his second for Exeter, said that playing for Taunton, Plymouth Albion and the Cornish Pirates was vital to his development and urged those coming through the academy system to bide their time.
“You know you are not going to get game time when you come through at a top club like Exeter and playing is how you learn as a front row forward,” said Norey, below, who captained the Chiefs against the Scarlets.
“The set-pieces are huge and playing in the lower leagues allows you come through the ranks. The only way you are going to develop is by playing. I have been fortunate that the clubs I have been with have had a good bunch of lads.
“As long as you chuck yourself into it and work hard, you will come out on the other side. You have to be patient and when you get your chance, grab it with both hands.”
Norey has been restricted to a couple of outings for Exeter in recent seasons but he has made 11 appearances in all competitions this campaign and came off the bench in the Champions Cup victories over Toulon and Munster, scoring a try in France.
“My goal at the start of the season was to be involved in as many games as I could,” he said. “This was the year I wanted to push on and I have been happy with getting opportunities.
“I was with the Pirates in pre-season, but came back after a week. I am just taking it game by game and I am doing what I love.
“My advice to anyone coming through is to make sure you play. A number of boys ask to go out on loan to help them gain experience and you know that the coaches here check in to see how you are performing.
“You are not forgotten about. Throw yourself into it, work hard and do your best and you will get noticed.”
Norey came off the bench during Exeter's first match of the season against Saracens and the 65-10 victory over the champions at Sandy Park that day forced those who had written off the club as title contenders because of all the experience they had lost in the summer to have a rethink.
“None of the players here is surprised at how we have gone,” said Norey. “We knew we were viewed as underdogs and we have used that mentality well. None of us will ever quit and we all fight to the end for the win.
“It meant a lot to me to captain the side last week. Having that responsibility means you have to step up that bit more – it gives you another reason to perform.
“I scored three tries, but that was because I was part of a dominant forward pack. That is where the credit should go.”
The Chiefs returned to competitive action yesterday against Gloucester at Kingsholm in the semi-final of the Premiership Rugby Cup having had a week off at the start of the Six Nations.
“I am someone who always looks to get on with the next job,” said Norey. “The break came at the end of a long spell of matches, but it is good that friendlies have been organised because it means that you keep playing.”
