EX-BRONCO SEES CHANCE TO SHINE AT COWBOYS
RUGBY LEAGUE: North Queensland recruit Jordan Kahu says he wants to be the permanent fullback in his new side.
The former Brisbane Bronco trained with his new teammates at 1300 Smiles Stadium yesterday morning after signing a one-year deal with the Cowboys at the weekend.
The 184cm-tall New Zealand Test international, who arrived in Townsville on Sunday night and was straight into training on Monday morning, said he felt it was time to move on from Broncos after a star-studded backline forced him out of a permanent position.
“I’ve been around long enough where I kind of knew I didn’t really fit in the (Broncos) team,” he said.
“I want to play NRL, obviously, and I didn’t see that opportunity at the Broncos unless there was an injury.
“I wasn’t willing to wait around. I knew I was good enough to play NRL week in, week out.”
The 28-year-old played 95 games for the Broncos over six seasons.
“I was a bit disappointed not to (reach the 100-game mark),” he said.
“I broke my jaw in round two last year, against the Cowboys too, so I would’ve cracked the 100 last year.
“I’m proud of myself for making it this far after all the injuries and adversities I’ve faced over the years.
“Ninety-five games, though it doesn’t seem like a lot, I’m proud of myself for getting this far. Hopefully I get to tick the 100 games off this year.”
The versatile back was spotted training at fullback yesterday alongside wingers Kyle Feldt and Nene Macdonald, but admitted there was no guarantee he would be wearing the No.1 jersey. I’m keen to play fullback, but I’m going to have to work for my spot here,” he said. “The boys have been slugging it out all pre-season and I’ve just rocked up, so I’ll be working hard for it.”
Cowboys prop Corey Jensen said he was looking forward to playing with the versatile back.
“He’s fitting in really well,” Jensen said. “He’s an ultimate professional.
“We’ve seen what he can do when he’s playing for Brisbane. He can play in numerous positions, so to have him here is just going to bolster the squad even more and I can’t wait to see how he goes.”