After the best performance of his emerging career, Titans fullback Keano Kini is set to leave coach Des Hasler with a ‘selection headache’ to deal with the expected return of Jayden Campbell.
This season, the Gold Coast side have been dealt a heavy injury toll affecting most of their positions, but they have three genuine fullbacks in their squad, with Kini stepping in in style after Campbell and AJ Brimson were both sidelined.
“Today was probably his best game, I thought he was probably the best on field there today,” Hasler said after Kini’s star turn in the Gold Coast’s derby win against Broncos which included 262 run metres and two try assists.
“I’m really pleased for Keano because he works so hard at his game, he’s a really good kid.
“It was just rewards for him today, he was everywhere.
“They’re great selection headaches to have, definitely.”
Kini has retained the No.1 jersey for the Round 14 clash with Souths but is set to face stiff competition for his place in the side with positive signs for Campbell to make a return from a PCL injury.
Jojo Fifita is also back on deck from a pectoral injury as the Titans slowly return to something like full strength.
“We definitely needed it, just feeling proud of the boys with all the injuries we’ve had, but I’m glad we got stuck through and we pulled out a win in the end,” Kini said of the close win over their derby rivals.
“We’ve been trying to build as a team, we’ve lost a couple of close ones, so to come off with the win in a close one against a team like the Broncos; I am just feeling really proud of the team.
“For us, we have to just keep on firing; have a next man up mentality. We’ve got boys playing out of position so it just tells what our team are made of.
“This win is only a little short step for us and we have to keep continuing to improve. We have to really refocus because this part of the season is really important for us.”
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The clash against Souths also takes on special meaning for captain Kieran Foran, who is back on deck from a minor hamstring strain.
The Titans will be supporting Top Blokes and Logan’s Legacy, which was set up after Foran experienced the tragic loss of his stepson Logan to suicide.
Kicking off the start of Men’s Health Week, the Titans aim to help everyone know that they matter and to spark conversations around mental health to check in, reach out and speak up.
*If you or someone you know is in need of immediate crisis or suicide prevention support, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or visit www.lifeline.org.au/gethelp.