Back on the Gold Coast and back in front of his home crowd, Keano Kini knows exactly what’s at stake this weekend.
After a tough start to the season, the Titans fullback isn’t shying away from the responsibility the group feels, and it is not just to each other, but to the people who turn up every week.
Speaking ahead of his sides return to Cbus Super Stadium, Kini was excited to be back at Cbus Super Stadium with a big day planned.
“It’s good to be back with our home fans and Members and I’m really looking forward to playing at home again,” Kini said.
“I know our fans have been yearning for a win, so we’re really determined and we’re putting in all the hard work we can this week.”
For Kini, the Gold Coast has quickly become more than just where he plays his footy.
“I love the Gold Coast. I love the community. This is my second home after Auckland (where he was born,” he said.
“I’ve said it many times before, but I just want to make the community proud.
“It hurts me and it makes me frustrated when we can’t get those results for them.”
That connection is driving a renewed focus within the playing group, with the Titans determined to turn around a slow start to the season.
While effort hasn’t been questioned, Kini admitted it’s the small moments that have cost the side.
“We’re saying all the right things. We’re just not getting our start right,” he said.
“And once you sort of blow the start, it’s hard to catch that momentum back.
“The last couple of games, it probably wasn’t the effort, it has been just those finer details. We’re making it really hard on ourselves.”
Cleaning up those areas will be key against the Dragons, with both sides entering the clash desperate to open their account for 2026.
“It’s something we’ve spoken about, that they’ll be just as hungry as us,” Kini said.
“We just have to be the more desperate team.”
There is confidence, though, that the turnaround isn’t far away - particularly with new combinations continuing to build across the park.
Kini is eager to link up again with Jayden Campbell after his impressive return last week, while also backing the Titans’ forward pack to respond strongly.
“They’re super disappointed and they hold high expectations for themselves,” he said.
“I know they’re going to bounce back, and I’m looking forward to seeing them go harder than ever this weekend.”
With back-to-back games at Cbus Super Stadium, the opportunity is clear, and so is the message.
Kini wants the Gold Coast behind them.
“I'm just super grateful that they still stick behind us, win or loss,” he said.
“I’m really looking forward to seeing everyone there on Sunday at Cbus.
“We want to make them proud.”
Arrive early to Cbus Super Stadium this Sunday and watch Airtime FMX light up the precinct with two shows before the NRL-action kicks off inside.
Gold Coast Titans v St George Illawarra Dragons - Sunday 29 March, 5:15pm, Cbus Super Stadium - Buy Tickets
