![Rookie reaps rewards in debut season](/siteassets/2023/00-general-use/230920_cd_1369.jpg?center=0.334%2C0.511&preset=hero-primary-wide)
2023 was a year to remember for Alofiana Khan-Pereira.
The 21-year-old made his NRL debut, going on to play 23-games in a record breaking season.
He was named Titans Rookie of the Year at the end of season Paul Broughton Medal awards function, an honour that was a surprise to the young flyer.
"There was a couple of others that I thought would get it like Keano Kini and Iszac Fa'asuamaleaui," Khan-Pereira said.
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"I didn't think anything of it (potentially winning the award).
"It was a massive year for myself.
"To play almost every game, except for one, let alone to play 23 games (it was surreal)."
Khan-Pereira broke the club try scoring record, notching 20 tries in his maiden season to overtake the David Fifita's 17 try season which previously was the mark.
In a year full of highlights, the young winger joked that it was a moment in magic round that stood out for him.
Khan-Pereira kick and chase for try
"I think it was the kick over the top against Parramatta when I got that try instead of passing," he laughed.
"Now I've got one of the greatest (Kieran Foran) telling me every day that I should have passed it.
"It's eased off since but it's a good bit of banter."
After starring for Burleigh in the Hostplus Cup in 2022, Khan-Pereira made a seamless transition to the NRL in 2023.
Now having tasted the top tier, he has ambitions to take his game even further under Des Hasler in 2024.
"I'm just pushing myself to the points I've never really reached," he said.
"I really focused and told myself that I can do the things that I thought I never thought I could do."
Khan-Pereira's efforts were rewarded with selection for Australia in the Prime Minister's 13 game against Papua New Guinea.
Playing alongside some of the NRL's highest profile players, Khan-Pereira says he was able to learn plenty that he will bring back to the Titans pre-season.
"Des (Hasler) gave me a call and I knew nothing about it (being selected for Australia)," he said.
"It is a massive achievement for myself and I am very star struck.
"Working with some of the biggest names in NRL history is massive.
"It was my first Australian representative team so I'm very grateful."