A captain’s run injury has presented the opportunity for Kayal Iro to become Shark #555 when he runs out onto PointsBet Stadium to take on the Bulldogs tomorrow night.
When Matt Ikuvalu went down at the Sharks final training run ahead of the round 24 clash, Iro was handed his chance to become the Club’s fifth NRL debutant this season, with the Cook Islands international to join clubmates Lachie Miller, Kade Dykes, Jesse Colquhoun and Tom Hazelton as first time, first grade players in 2022.
A standout with the Newtown Jets this season in that club’s climb into first position on the KOE NSW Cup ladder, the young outside back signed a new contract with the Sharks during July, one that ties him to Cronulla through until the end of the 2024 season.
The son of Kiwi international Kevin, Iro played for the Cook Islands against Samoa in the recent Pacific Test match. Dad Kevin and brother Andre will make the trip from Rarotonga, via Auckland, to be at PointsBet for tomorrow night's game.
An aggressive ball runner and strong defender, in 20 matches for the Jets so far this year he has scored 12 tries, while Iro features in a number of other NSW Cup statistical categories. Iro is first in run and post contact metres for the entire competition, and second only to teammate Lochie Miller for tackle breaks.
Shortly after signing his recent contract and following his first international appearance for the Cook Islands, Iro said; “I’m a proud Cook Islander, it was a real emotional week. My father and my brother came over, it was the first time I’d seen them in two years. I grew up in the Cook Islands, Rarotonga. My dad was a big name, so hopefully I can follow in his footsteps and make him proud.”
Iro will play in jersey number 21 for the Sharks on a day when the club celebrates the debut of one of its future stars, while farewelling NRL legends Andrew Fifita and Aiden Tolman, the pair playing their final home games for the Sharks at PointsBet Stadium.
Kayal Iro – Fact File
Date of Birth – 20-2-2000
Height – 185cm
Weight – 94kgs
Junior Club – Arorangi Bears
Representative – Cook Islands 2022 Pacific Test, Junior Kiwis
