Rising Cronulla star Kayal Iro has pledged his international allegiance to the Cook Islands, as he attempts to become a trailblazer for others in the tiny Pacific nation.
The son of New Zealand legend Kevin Iro, Kayal is technically eligible for three nations after one of the most unique upbringings in the NRL.
Born in England, Iro moved to the idyllic Rarotonga in the Cook Islands at age two and lived there until he was 14.
He then moved away from his parents to Auckland to look after his ill grandmother, before going on to represent the Junior Kiwis while in the Warriors system.
There is every chance Iro could enter the conversation for New Zealand in this year's Pacific Championships, given Joey Manu's move to rugby.
Iro has been a breakout star at the Sharks his rookie season, busting 59 tackles in 15 games and recently earning a new contract through until the end of 2026.
But the 24-year-old's representative preference is clear, knowing his status as the only player in the NRL that was raised in the Cook Islands.
"That’s why I want to stick to Cook Islands," Iro said ahead of the Sharks' crunch clash with South Sydney on Saturday night.
"I think I’m the first one that grew up on the Cook Islands (to play NRL).
"I could play for New Zealand as well and Cook Islands if there was a way to play for both. But I would prioritise Cook Islands.
"I want to stay loyal and hopefully grow the game that way, have more kids come from the Cook Islands to make it to the NRL."
Iro is adamant too that there is more talent on the Islands, who house an official population of just 15,040.
The centre insists he was by no means the star junior in his district of Arorangi, where he regularly played in year groups well above his age due to limited numbers.
He now wants to act as a way of bringing talented youngsters across into elite systems in Australia, beginning with his 12-year-old brother Kaleb.
"If you can get them into a system early, they’re going to develop a whole lot more players," Iro said.
"That’s why I want to get my brother over here ... because he’s just bullying everyone there, just carving up.
"It's just about opportunity. I wasn’t even a good player growing up. Heaps of them (were better than me).
"There’s so much talent there but it’s a real comfortable and chill lifestyle. Everyone gets into drinking at a young age and partying.
"My dad was an ex-player so I had someone to look up to. If they have someone to look up to, that will help them go all the way. That’s what I’m hoping to be."
More immediately, Iro will be hoping to help the Sharks arrest a worrying form slump against the Rabbitohs.
With six defeats from their past eight games, Cronulla have fallen from first to fourth and could tumble out of the all-important top four with another loss at PointsBet Stadium.
Languishing in 15th spot, four points adrift of the top eight, the Rabbitohs are even more desperate for victory to keep their own finals hopes flickering.
