Confidence man: Kini flying high ahead of New Zealand return

Following a modest few weeks that had some questioning his place in the team, Titans fullback Keano Kini roared into form against the Eels, putting in a player of the match effort.

With three try assists, 265 metres, four line breaks and a near flawless performance at the back – Kini repaid the faith of coach Josh Hannay who had fended off questions about Kini’s form and confidence to start the year.

However, the softly-spoken New Zealand Kiwis fullback said for him, confidence has never been an issue.

Instead, he just worked hard on getting his fundamentals right and was more motivated to perform well for him team.

“I was pretty happy with it (performance against the Eels), especially the first half … I was a bit disappointed with my last couple of games, so it is good to get a decent standard of a game under my belt this year,” Kini said.

“I don't think it is the best I have played, but it is a good stepping stone for the rest of the season.

“Every player has a high standard of themselves and I thought I wasn't playing up to that standard.

“I think the confidence thing has been blown out of proportion because I don't lack confidence in myself.

“I am fairly inexperienced. I have only played 30-odd games so of course I am going to do extras. I will continue to do extras and work on my game.”

Sidelined for much of last season with a serious neck issue, Kini returned to play the last four games of the season before suiting up for the Kiwis in their Pacific Championships triumph.

As a player still developing into his role in the spine, Kini said time was on his side, something Hannay had reiterated to him during his tough patch to start 2026.

“I had a whole year out last year and only played a couple of games at the back end,” Kini said.

“I am still finding my groove and finding my feet in the NRL again.

“I am trying to give myself grace there.

“We will see how I go the rest of the year.

“(Hannay) has given me a lot of confidence.

“He just said that I am fairly inexperienced and I am going to have more up and down games.

“I just knew I had to put a decent performance in for the boys. That is my main priority and concern - (not) letting down my team-mates ... so long as I have their respect.”

While celebrating one of their biggest wins as a club in their win over the Eels, the Titans know they have a new level of challenge ahead of them in New Zealand, with a sold out Go Media Stadium all wanting to cheer on a Warriors win.

It will be a homecoming of sorts however for Kini, who will play his first NRL game in Aotearoa on Saturday, having previously only played Test matches.

“I am looking forward to going back to my homeland and playing in Auckland in front of my family and friends,” Kini said.

“It will be a cool experience to play in front of a sold-out crowd. It is my first time playing there so I am pretty keen.

“There are a few (former Titans) and I have a lot of good memories with them.

“I have played with Erin [Clark] in the Kiwis and my roommate Lofi [Alofiana Khan-Pereira] as well, so it will be good to catch up with them but I will try my best to get the win.”