Oztag Tournament Ignites Underdog NRL Star’s Incredible Journey

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Had it not been for an Oztag tournament in New Zealand five years ago, Titans star Keano Kini may not have found his way to the NRL.

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15 years old at the time, Kini was discovered by a Titans scout during said tournament in Auckland.

Just a year later, he was relocating to the Gold Coast to chase an NRL dream.

“From that (Oztag tournament) I got asked to play in a game against the Knights for the junior Titans,” Kini told foxsports.com.au.

“Basically a year on, I moved over when I was 16 with Mum and Dad and played two years at Palm Beach Currumbin (high school) and got my shot from there.

“I was one of the smallest at 15 and 16 and probably wasn’t looked at as much as other players but I guess it all worked out in the end.

“I thought about going to rugby union after Covid but glad I stayed in league.”

Kini continued impressing Titans scouts with two outstanding years at rugby league nursery Palm Beach Currumbin.

He’s in good company, with the high school producing the likes of Jamal Fogarty, Cody Walker, Tom Dearden, Darius Boyd and Xavier Savage.

Given he was plucked from relative obscurity, it’s been a whirlwind few years for Kini as he plotted his path to the NRL, but nothing would match what 2024 would bring.

The 20-year-old fullback had the breakout years of all breakout years last season.

It’s fair to say that the Auckland product wasn’t even on the radar of the majority of rugby league fans 12 months ago.

Now, he’s one of the game’s brightest young stars who is on the verge of being a household name.

Entering the 2024 pre-season with just six NRL games under his belt and third in a stacked fullback depth chart featuring Jayden Campbell and AJ Brimson, Kini was flying well under the radar.

He’d quickly get an opportunity to impress in Round 1 with Brimson and Campbell sidelined, but would only play two NRL games in the first two months of the season as the Titans struggled early.

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Kini wouldn’t be seen in first grade until Round 10, when he returned to the Titans side in a 20-18 win over North Queensland.

He took his second chance with both hands, starring in the win and not relinquishing his spot the rest of the season.

Despite his diminutive frame, Kini seemingly grew in stature as the season progressed, and at times he looked like one of the league’s most dangerous fullbacks.

The 20-year-old played in just 16 of a possible 24 for the Titans this season but despite this, won the club’s best and fairest award.

Some feat for a player with just 22 games of NRL experience.

Kini was also rewarded with something even more valuable at season’s end – selection in the Kiwis’ Pacific Championship squad.

Kini more than held his own for New Zealand, running for a game-high 254 metres against the world’s best in Australia.

Keano Kini in action for New Zealand against Australia.Source: Supplied

Despite his tender age, Kini has a very mature head on his shoulders. He’s softly spoken, articulate and polite to a fault.

He’s also humble, with Kini giving plenty of credit to Brimson and Campbell for their role in his development over the past couple of years.

“I’ve learnt so much from those two. I’ve watched their games inside and out,” Kini said.

While the Titans star is proud of his achievements, he isn’t resting on his laurels.

“Dad and I sat down and set goals for the year and last year overtook any expectations I had,” he said.

“It was a dream come true, especially to represent my country at the end of the year and get that much game time. It was a very proud moment for me and my family.

“I wasn’t expecting the player of the year award but to represent my country in front of the home fans is something I want to do for years to come.”