Keano Kini

Keano Kini (born 14 April 2004) is a professional rugby league player who plays for the Gold Coast Titans as a  or  in the National Rugby League (NRL).

Background
Kini was born in Auckland, New Zealand and is of Māori, English and Samoan descent. His family relocated to the Gold Coast where Kini attended Palm Beach Currumbin State High School. Kini was a Northcote Tigers junior.

Playing career
In 2020, Kini was signed by the Gold Coast Titans after being spotted playing touch football in Auckland. In 2021 and 2022, Kini played for the Titans' Queensland Cup feeder side, the Burleigh Bears. In 2023, despite still being on a development contract, Kini was elevated to the Gold Coast Titans first grade side.

Kini made his first grade debut from the bench in his side's 26–24 victory over the Parramatta Eels at Lang Park in round 10 of the 2023 NRL season. The fullbacks good form also continued for Burleigh where he won the Duncan Hall medal for man of the match in the 2023 Queensland Cup grand final despite playing on the losing side.

Kini scored his first NRL try in his sides Magic Round (NRL) match against the Newcastle Knights in round 11 of the 2024 NRL season. In round 16, Kini scored two tries for the Gold Coast in their 66-6 victory over the New Zealand Warriors.

Statistics
* denotes season competing

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