Electrifying fullback Keano Kini was the rising star of 2024.
A certain rookie of the year should he have played one game less in 2023, that didn't stop the 20-year-old from claiming the prestigious Paul Broughton Medal despite only making 16 appearances, leading to his maiden Kiwis call-up to which he also dominated in with an average of 265 running metres in the Pacific Championships.
Set for first dibs in the fullback jersey after his scintillating season, the humble whiz kid doesn't want to take anything for granted, refusing to settle he'll be wearing the No. 1 come Gold Coast's season opener in Round 2.
"You can never know but it's nice... it's what you work hard for to try and get your spot nailed down," Kini said.
"We're still going through pre-season and then the trials so you never know what could happen. I just want to keep working hard and keep proving myself to be in that No. 1 jersey.
"It was a blessing last year, but my focus is to reset now.
"[All the accolades] don't really mean anything now... it gives me confidence going into this year, but I know we have all the boys here competing for spots.
"I just want to reset and try and be in that 17 every week."
Match: Bulldogs v Titans
Round 2 -
home Team
Bulldogs
away Team
Titans
Venue: Belmore Sports Ground, Sydney
Match broadcasters:
- WatchNRL
Full of motivation to improve on last year's finish - including a much better start to the season - Kini feels there is a really positive feeling amongst the playing group leading into the season, all eager to be playing finals footy and ultimately create history on the Gold Coast.
"I'm feeling a really good vibe around the club," he said.
"I can tell at training, it's a bit more intense and it flows a bit more now because everyone is now used to Des and I feel like the boys are really understanding what he's talking about now.
"I'm excited for this year. We haven't had success at this club for a long time, so that's what drives everyone here.
"To get more wins on the board and make our Gold Coast community proud.
"Also, to win a premiership here... that's what drives me ultimately.
"That's my dream and I know there's a lot of hard work to go, but I know we can do it with this group."
Helping Kini with the experience of success was his recent month away in New Zealand camp, getting to learn from the likes of legends Stacey Jones and Shaun Johnson which has motivated the proud Kiwi to bring his learnings back to club footy.
"It was awesome to be involved in that camp and the calibre of boys that I was around, plus the coaching staff as well. I learned heaps... not only on the field but off it as well," he said.
"All the players in the squad were helping me because I'm still learning my role at fullback.
"SJ was helping me as was Peta Hiku as well with my timing and jut the little parts of the game that I need to improve, but all of them were a big help.
"To represent the Kiwis was a dream of mine and I'm hoping to bring some of that experience to the Titans this year."
