Rookie Iro firing Sharks title push with dad’s advice
Cronulla centre Kayal Iro is in the mix for the Dally M rookie of the year after applying advice from his legendary father Kevin Iro.
Kayal’s NRL form in 17 games this year has been stunning, and a key reason why the Sharks are fourth and on track to mount a challenge for the 2024 title.
The 24-year-old is averaging 164m, has accumulated 73 tackle busts, eight line breaks and seven line-break assists. His defence in the 44-0 win over Gold Coast on Friday night, which included 23 tackles, also caught the eye and impressed coach Craig Fitzgibbon.
Kevin Iro is a New Zealand legend and was one of the world’s best outside backs in his playing days. His advice is treasured by Kayal.
“He messages me before the game and says, ‘make sure you take your opportunities’,” Kayal told AAP.
“What he means is to anticipate line breaks from an attack point of view and to work hard in defence and make all those cover tackles. Dad is humble and his advice is always short and firm.
“He likes to talk to me about the off-ball things and about putting myself in the picture with hard work.
“My dad was huge for me when I was a young kid. He would take me training early in the morning and taught me the importance of staying fit and working hard at a young age.
“That has given me the determination to get where I am today.”
Fitzgibbon has been delighted with Iro’s development.
“Kayal is so studious. He wants to get better and is not taking his position for granted,” Fitzgibbon said.
“There were a couple of parts of his game we wanted him to work on and he has just tuned into it. He has got more upside to come.
“I thought he was outstanding (marking Titans fullback) Keano Kini. He is electric with his footwork and speed and he shut him down pretty well.”
Iro thrives on the Sharks DNA of grit, power and skill. It is the formula that won them the 2016 grand final and is still a winner.
“That is something we mould our game off – grit, toughness and selflessness,” he said.
“If we play like we did (against the Titans) and stick with it I think we can go a long way this year.”
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