Kalani Going is moving with the flow when it comes to his career – a journey that has taken him from New Zealand to Canberra, Tweed and now, the foot of the Blue Mountains.
Captain of the all-conquering Warriors NSW Cup team who claimed last year’s title and the NRL State Championship, Going has already doubled his NRL game tally by playing in Round 1 for the Panthers.
Named again this week to face the Sharks in Bathurst as Liam Martin continues to battle a calf strain, Going said he was trying to “soak in everything” that came with playing with his new club.
“I had a great year last year with the Warriors, truly grateful for that club, what they did for me,” Going said.
“I had a great time there but I felt when Panthers reached out, it was a good opportunity for me to get out of my comfort zone.
“They've been at the top for a while and to see what they're about, I am so grateful to be here, grateful for Ivan [Cleary] for giving me a crack, and it's good to get on the board with the boys …
“I'm (thinking) as it comes, just go with it.
“Obviously with Marto being out, that opened up a spot.
“(Being part of the Panthers team) they've been there and done it, they've won it four times, so for me, it's a bit of a sponge moment.
“I'm just trying to soak in everything, although I'm a bit older than a few of the players, that doesn't really mean anything.
“They're really good, they help you when you need, and I'm just trying to learn and fit in and match their standards.
“That's what I'm trying to do.”
Having made his NRL debut for the Warriors in Round 27 in 2023, it was a long wait to add to his tally, but having taken a road less travelled for his football, Going had learnt a lot about patience.
“(It’s been) a bit of a rollercoaster journey,” Going told NRL.com.
“I started at Canberra real young, went through all the juniors to the NRL, didn't get any games, had a lot of injuries, moved up to Tweed for a bit, had some fun there.
“After that I sort of just called it quits and moved back home.
“I went back and played for my junior club, rugby union, and it just so happened, Eric Rush, he's a NZ 7s great and played for the All Blacks, he came to my club and he's been a big help for me.
“Kept me training when I didn't want to and the opportunity opened up with the Warriors for the Cup team and the rest is history, really.
“Big thanks to him and my rugby club back home and of course my partner, my two kids … they've given me a reason to play and obviously my parents, they've been a big help.
“It's a bit of a journey, bit of a story, bit of a carry-on story, but it's been great journey.
“I wouldn't change it for the world and I'm grateful to still be going and getting this opportunity.”
Match: Panthers v Sharks
Round 2 -
home Team
Panthers
3rd Position
away Team
Sharks
2nd Position
Venue: Carrington Park, Bathurst
Match broadcasters:
- WatchNRL
