Keano Kini might only be in his rookie NRL season, but the young gun wants to prove age is no barrier with big aspirations to take down the competition heavyweights.
Expecting to be play a role in the Titans' 17 again this week after two strong weeks as the all-important utility off the bench, the 19-year-old has his sights on a major upset at Cbus Super Stadium with plenty to play for in front of home fans after a disappointing showing against the Sharks.
"It's going to be a surreal experience and I want to take it to them," Kini said.
"Hopefully I can get a good run against Penrith and I'm sure the boys will want to get up for it and bounce back from last weekend."
Never expecting to have such an accelerated start to his first grade career having only graduated from rugby league nursery Palm Beach Currumbin last year, Kini was quick to be elevated to the Queensland Cup, before making his NRL debut in Magic Round and no having played four games.
"Only just coming out of school, I never ever expected to get a run, but I'm thankful for the year and the Titans giving me the opportunity," he said.
"I can't really put my journey into one word but I think it's been a fast experience and has been a lot of learning for myself, but I have believed in myself and I have a strong family and strong people here that believed in me.
"I think I've believed in myself that I've been able to get there and it's been really enjoyable... so hopefully I just keep getting a run and I can keep getting experience under my belt."
The teen sensation is also excited to get back to Cbus Super Stadium and play his third game at home after playing his first 80-minute performance at the venue in Round 14... especially with such a strong support base in attendance to cheer on the Gold Coast this season.
"It's pretty cool. I hope I have a better performance than my first time," Kini said.
"I've actually been on the sidelines watching a couple games recently and just to see all the crowd come to support the Gold Coast despite the recent results... it just shows the love and fan base we have.
"I've got family coming as well so hopefully we can put up a good performance."
