Keano Kini's young career has just taken a giant leap forward, promoted to the Titans top 30 roster after very quickly becoming a fan favourite.
The 18-year-old was initially a member of the Coast's development list in 2023 as part of his long-term commitment at Parkwood, but the release of Paul Turner to the Dragons has allowed an instant elevation to the main squad, making the excitement machine eligible for selection in this week's season opener.
This has allowed Justin Holbrook to waste no time in naming the Australian Schoolboy star in this week's extended team, part of the extended reserves to make the trip to Sydney for the tussle against the Tigers.
Match: Wests Tigers v Titans
Round 1 -
home Team
Wests Tigers
16th Position
away Team
Titans
2nd Position
Venue: Leichhardt Oval, Sydney
Only graduating from Palm Beach Currumbin at the end of last year, Kini has admitted he still pinches himself that he's part of the Titans NRL squad, given the calibre of players he is surrounded by each and every day at Parkwood.
"For sure [I pinch myself every day], especially looking up to some of the boys here," he revealed.
"It's incredible that I watched them as a kid and are now by their side. I just want to stay confident all the time and try earn their respect and trust."
The flashy fullback took the rugby league world by storm with a scintillating second half stint on the Sunshine Coast against the Broncos - finishing the final 40 minutes with 151 running metres, a line break and two tackle breaks, making his footy-mad family proud with a performance that shows he is destined to become a long-term first grade star.
Kini into open space
"I felt good and really confident out there. I was just grateful to get the opportunity to get some game time with the older boys," Kini said.
"It was a privilege to run out with them and it was exciting… I loved it.
"Hearing my family name being called… my dad is a pretty big footy fan and for him to hear it as well, it’s pretty cool. Even my family back home, I’ve made them proud as well.
"It was only one game though, so I feel I’ve still got more to offer and I want to stay grounded."
With this very humble approach in mind, Kini is in no rush to achieve his dream of playing in the NRL, happy to bide his time for the right opportunity to come.
"Coming out of school, you can't expect everything to come at once," he said.
"I just need to be patient and keep on learning, not only from the coaches but the players and people around me.
"I got a good family to keep me humble, so I'll just stay patient and be ready for the when the time comes."
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