Keano Kini's immediate focus may be on Round 1, but it's hard to ignore the flashing fullback battle that awaits him in April.
As the Titans dynamo worked hard to return from a neck injury that kept him sidelined for all but six games, the 21-year-old has revealed he was mesmerised by Reece Walsh's heroics last season, taking inspiration from the Broncos superstar as he begins his quest to return to the form that earned him the Paul Broughton Medal in 2024.
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"It was awesome to watch. He's one of the fellas I watch a lot of, aspire to be and take parts of his game," Kini said.
"He's a freak and I look forward to watching him again, but also playing against him and see how I go against him.
"I try not to think about other players too much, but of course you want to compete against the top level fellas, so when that match-up comes again this year, of course I'll give it my best."
"I've played him twice and he's always carved up."
Despite his modesty, Kini got one up over Walsh convincingly the last time the two squared off - albeit over a year and a half ago - although fans won't be short of the pair duelling in 2026 with NRL and World Cup fixtures to come.
Match: Titans v Broncos
Round 5 -
home Team
Titans
away Team
Broncos
Venue: Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast
Match broadcasters:
- WatchNRL
As incumbent fullbacks at both club and international level. the next epic battle is pencilled in for Round 5 at Cbus Super Stadium, where the Gold Coast No. 1 is hoping to bring some new elements to his game that he's been crafting over the pre-season.
"Definitely my defence [has been a big focus]. I have been working hard with B-Mac (Titans assistant coach Brian McDermott) on my line organisation and my defence is something I want to work on," Kini said.
"Also my ball-playing... I know my running game can be a strong point, but if I can bring some of that ball-playing into my game.
"I'm not going to rush things but if it can come naturally, hopefully I can bring that to my game."
'I'm grateful to be back out there': Kini
Kini is tipped to be the Māori fullback for the upcoming All Stars battle next week - likely his second appearance in the fixture after beaming with confidence from his rooming experience with Kalyn Ponga last year.
"I was a little nervous when I first got to room with him. He's been someone I've grown up watching and idolised in a sense. He was a great fella and gave me advice where he could," he said.
"It was a cool experience and it's always an exciting camp to be part of.
"I can't wait to go back to Hamilton and experience the New Zealand culture and bring it to the Indigenous people.
"It should be a fun week."
