For Keano Kini, this weekend’s clash in Auckland is more than just another game, it’s a long-awaited homecoming.
Set to face the New Zealand Warriors in front of a sold-out crowd, the Titans fullback will run out for his first NRL appearance on home soil, with family and friends in the stands for the first time in his career.
“I’m looking forward to going back home to my homeland and playing in Auckland in front of my family and friends,” Kini said.
“It’ll be a cool experience… first time playing there, so I’m pretty keen.”
It’s a moment shaped by years of dreaming, growing up like many young Kiwis watching Warriors great Roger Tuivasa-Sheck dominate at the back.
“A lot of New Zealand kids grew up watching Roger,” Kini said.
“He’s obviously a role model on and off the field and I love the way he plays.”
Now, Kini has the chance to create his own memories in front of a home crowd, but he does so with a clear focus on continuing his growth after a mixed start to the season.
Coming off a strong performance against Parramatta, the fullback said it was a step back towards the standards he expects of himself.
“I was pretty happy with it, especially the first half,” he said of his game on the weekend.
“I don’t think it’s the best I’ve played, but it’s a good stepping stone for the rest of the season.”
After being openly critical of his recent form, Kini said his confidence has never been in doubt, only his drive to improve.
“I don’t lack confidence in myself, but I know I could come back and do better and play how I usually play,” he said.
“I still don’t think I’ve played to my potential yet.”
With only 34 NRL games to his name and time missed last year due to injury, Kini is still finding his rhythm at the top level, which is something he’s embracing through hard work and repetition.
“I’m fairly inexperienced… so of course I’m going to do a little bit of extras (at training),” he said.
“I’ll continue to work on my game.”
That commitment extends beyond his individual performance, with Kini driven by a strong sense of responsibility to his teammates.
“My main priority is not letting down the boys,” he said.
“As long as I have their respect, that’s all I’m happy with.”
Awaiting the Titans in Auckland is a Warriors side in strong form, but Kini believes his side is building confidence of its own.
“We’ve steadily been building, and our group’s full of confidence,” he said.
“We’re looking forward to going over there in front of a packed crowd and putting on a performance.”
With familiar faces across the field and a loud Kiwi crowd in the stands, it shapes as a special occasion.
For Kini, it’s the chance to represent both his club and his homeland on one stage and take another step forward in a career that is really only just getting started.
