Kiwis fullback Keano Kini is determined to make the fullback jersey his own again after an influential display in his comeback test, leading New Zealand to a 40-14 Pacific Championships win over Tonga at Eden Park.
Kini was initially listed as 18th man to face Tonga, but after Sebastian Krispulled up with a calf injury at training on Thursday, coach Stacey Jones opted to start him at fullback, with the versatile Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad switching to the centres.
The decision proved a masterstroke as Kini was electric from the back, running a game-high 199m, while scoring the opening try of the game as the Kiwis punched their ticket into the Pacific Cup final against Samoa on Sunday in Sydney.
The 21-year-old was one of the best for the Kiwis in a challenging Pacific Championships last year and he went into 2025 full of confidence, but hit an immediate roadblock after pulling up with a sore neck after an NRL game.
Scans later showed the youngster’s spinal cord had been compressed and that he was just 4mm away from potential paralysis. He had surgery to repair the herniated disk and returned to finish the NRL season, playing just six games.
Keano Kini dives over for his try against Tonga. Photo / Photosport
With Kris ruled out of the decider, it would be a big call to switch up his backline, as Kini looks to re-establish himself as the No 1 fullback ahead of next year’s Rugby League World Cup.
While there were some tough challenges, Kini is focusing on the positives in his life during the year, admitting he didn’t think he would be back on the field representing the Kiwis this year, considering the circumstances.
“I started the year not thinking I would get in to this space so to be here now is a blessing,” Kini said. ”I’ve been through some trials and tribulations but thank the Lord I’m in this position now.
“It was challenging, but it was meant to happen and it gave me some time to reflect on myself and made me a bit more grateful for everything.
“It actually taught me a lot of things. I had a baby, got engaged, so a lot of good things happened from a bad [situation].”
Halfback Kieran Foran was full of praise for Kini, having seen his struggles first-hand, as the pair are club teammates at the Gold Coast Titans.
“When you consider he only found out 48 hours beforehand that he was coming into the side, that gives you a glimpse of just how good a footballer this young guy is,” Foran said.
“He’s been itching to play. He’s trained as well as he could have trained, put himself in the window in case any injuries happened and as it turned out, we lost a couple through the week and Stacey had complete faith in Keano coming in and getting the job done.
Kieran Foran in his last test on New Zealand soil. Photo / Photosport
“I thought he was one of our best.”
Attention now turns to Samoa in the final, where New Zealand will be favourites to come out on top, having already beaten the side 24-18 earlier in the campaign.
Kini said he’s excited at the prospect of facing Samoa due to his family heritage and says he will be better off for the hit-out, having struggled with cramps in the second half on Sunday.
He says the goal is to send Foran out a champion.
“When the opportunity came, I knew I was ready,” Kini said. “I haven’t had much footy this year and the body is still getting used to it but I had to blow those cobwebs out.
