League: Kahu moves on from Broncos loss

Jordan Kahu was relieved to see his name on the Kiwis list. Photo / Getty Images

Of all the new faces in this Kiwis team, Jordan Kahu was probably the most relieved to see his name on the list.

Being in England gives the winger a chance to move on, an immediate opportunity to try and forget what he describes as the worst moment of his career - the Broncos' dramatic, last-gasp loss in the grand final.

Kahu was on the opposite flank when Cowboys winger Kyle Feldt scored his miraculous try but it did nothing to lessen the pain.

"It is probably going to haunt me for the rest of my life," admitted Kahu. "Or at least until I win [a grand final]. But that happens...it's footy. Someone has got to lose and we were really unlucky and lost.

Kahu was one of four Kiwis (Adam Blair, Alex Glenn and Kodi Nikorima) in that Broncos team and they are all here, all focused on the England challenge, rather than sitting in Queensland wondering what might have been.

"If I wasn't playing it would probably just fester inside me and build up," said Kahu. "I'm pretty lucky I get to play again so I can get those (demons) out of there."

Kahu is a tough customer, and has won much bigger psychological battles in the past. Signed to the Broncos as another graduate of the Keebra Park academy (Benji Marshall's high school), the teenager was tipped to have a big future.

But his early development at Redhill was hampered by a shocking injury run, with knee reconstructions ruining his 2011 and 2012 seasons. After making his NRL debut in 2013, he suffered another knee injury the following year.

But he has played a big role in the Broncos' return to prominence in 2015. Kahu become a fixture on the right flank, scoring nine tries in 22 matches, which has led to his Kiwis call up.

He's earned a reputation as a strong finisher and solid defender, and demonstrated his kicking capabilities in the finals landing several pressure kicks when Corey Parker was unavailable.

The 24-year-old also been touted as a long term centre replacement for Justin Hodges, who retired after the grand final. Still, he's not expecting much from the coming weeks in the northern hemisphere.

"I'm rapt to be here," said Kahu. " I'll still be happy if I don't play any games...just happy to be in the mix...but it would be great to get a couple of games in and put on that black jersey."

Kearney is likely to retain Jason Nightingale - the Dragons winger has never let him down and this group can't afford to leave experienced men out of their 17 - which means Kahu is in a straight shoot out with Bulldogs winger Curtis Rona and Sharks utility Gerald Beale.

Meanwhile, the Kiwis have settled into their Leeds base and had their first training run in England today (Wednesday NZT). It was meant to be a light session but got quite physical - a reflection of the competiveness within the current squad.
The team has a day off tomorrow though some members of the playing and coaching staff will travel to Manchester to attend the official series launch.
The Kiwis' first match is against Leeds on Friday (Saturday 8am NZT).