Norey working hard to grab his Prem chance

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' match day squad, learning patiently his trade in lower leagues.

- PAUL REES

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, right, 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.