For Cronulla Sharks centre and Cook Islands captain KL Iro, representing his heritage on the world stage was never a difficult decision.
Eligible to play for three nations, Iro turned down the chance to represent New Zealand and England, instead choosing to follow in the footsteps of his father Kevin and represent the country where he spent much of his childhood.
Now with 11 Tests to his name, the 26-year-old will lead the Aitu into this year’s World Cup, determined to make his family proud.
Growing up, Iro had no shortage of inspiration, with his Kevin having represented both New Zealand and Cook Islands at Test level.
“He’s a massive inspiration. I think I said it a lot, like how much I look up to him, even still as a man, not just a footy player, but just how he presents himself,” Iro told RLWC media.
“He’s a huge role model to me and my brothers and even just my sisters as well.
“I don’t think I’ll be where I am today if it wasn’t for them. That made me do the hard training when I was a kid and just drove that into me since a young age to help me work hard.”
Born in England while his father was playing for St Helens, Iro spent much of his childhood in the Cook Islands before moving to Auckland to pursue his rugby league dream.
Despite having the option to represent other nations, his allegiance was always clear.
“I can’t see myself in another jersey," he said.
Fiji v Cook Islands
"I’m a proud Cook Islands man, I wouldn’t want to represent anyone else. All my love and pride is for the Cook Islands, so there’s no point in playing for New Zealand or England if all my love and pride is not there.”
Iro remembers what life was like growing up in the Pacific nation, where rugby league is a major part of the sporting culture but watching the NRL was not always easy.
“Growing up back there I never really got to watch NRL,” he said.
“They only showed a big game, they wouldn’t show all the games because they couldn’t get that on TV back then.
“The only thing we could watch on TV was 'Home and Away' and 'Shortland Street'.
Things have changed since then, with improved broadcasting allowing fans back home to follow Iro and other Cook Islands stars throughout the NRL season.
“It’s pretty cool now we have proper TV broadcasters and the country can support us,” he said.
Simply Iro-sistable
“Even my normal games in the NRL, everyone can watch. I always get messages after games showing love. That’s what Cook Islanders are like, they always get behind fellow Cook Islanders that are doing well.
“I can’t wait to put on a good show for them in the World Cup and make them proud.”
Iro hopes his journey can inspire the next generation of young players growing up in the islands, just as his father inspired him.
His junior club will be among those cheering him on when the Cook Islands face New Zealand in Christchurch next week, with players and coaches fundraising to make the trip over.
“My junior club will come for that game too from Cook Islands. So they’re coming to support. They’re fundraising to get all the kids there and the coaches to come watch that and support me.”
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Having grown up with a father he could look up to, Iro knows the impact it can have on a young player to see someone from their own community reach the top level.
“I had my dad when I was a kid, like obviously all the other kids that I grew up with, but didn’t really have that figure to look up to and want to strive for more,” he said.
“So hopefully I can pave that way for them and they know that I was a young kid that grew up there and I’m here now.”
The Cook Islands begin their World Cup campaign against Fiji on Sunday at McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle.
- Watch every World Cup game live, free and exclusive on Seven and 7plus Sport.
