Keano Kini may have delivered a superhuman performance against the Tigers, but the electrifying whiz kid wants that same success for his Titans teammates when they face the Warriors this weekend.
Smashing the Gold Coast's record for most run metres in a game - making a whopping 321 to surpass Jayden Campbell's existing achievement set last year - the 20-year-old remained true to his humble form when asked what the individual accolade meant to him.
As he prepares for his first starting game against the team he supported growing up in New Zealand, Kini was quick to put the team first despite achieving such success as he continues to impress in his fledgling first grade career.
"It was obviously a disappointing result. I’ve said it before, but I feel like I’m finding my feet [in the NRL as a fullback]," he told titans.com.au.
"I’m happy with the run metres, but I want to start executing those last plays.
"I feel like I should be knowing my role now. I've had enough games in the NRL to know my role, so I'm looking forward to this Saturday to try and prove that."
Match: Titans v Warriors
Round 16 -
home Team
Titans
15th Position
away Team
Warriors
12th Position
Venue: Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast
Praised by coach Des Hasler for his mature determining attitude, Kini will now go head-to-head against the player he idolised growing up... Roger Tuivasa-Sheck.
Not wanting to focus too heavily on the Kiwi dynamo who returns to Cbus Super Stadium after a four season hiatus, Kini is instead wanting to turn his attention to rewarding a bumper crowd expected to fill the stands for his weekend's game at home.
"He's been one of my biggest idols growing up, but I'm trying not to focus on that too much and instead just doing my part for the team," he said.
"I've got a lot of family coming and I know there'll be a lot of Warriors supporters, but I'm glad to be back at home and in front of Titan supporters.
"Our team feeds off the energy [of a big crowd], even if it's also from Warriors supporters.
"I was there last year [when the Warriors played at Cbus] and it was an awesome atmosphere.
"I just can't wait to hear the crowd to feed off and hopefully get the result."
Kini returns it with interest
The occasion will also be the first Super Hero Saturday for the Titans No. 1, who is excited to see the crowd get involved in the Warner Bros. Movie World initiative.
"I can't wait... it's the first Saturday of school holidays so the kids can come out and enjoy it," Kini said.
"Hopefully we see some people dress up as super heroes and I think that will create a really good atmosphere this weekend."
