Round 7 Sunday wrap: Kini makes his mark as Bears clinch tight win over Tigers
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Burleigh fullback Keano Kini has made an impressive push for an NRL debut, after he helped guide the Bears to a tight win over the Brisbane Tigers in Round 7.
The Bears held onto second place on the Hostplus Cup ladder on Sunday, after they edged out a defiant Brisbane Tigers outfit 20-16, in a gritty showdown at UAA Park.
In a seesawing affair, one try made all the difference for the Bears, and that four-pointer came from young fullback Kini, with the teenager scoring Burleigh's final try in the 61st minute.
With Gold Coast Titans No.1 AJ Brimson facing several weeks on the sideline with a hamstring injury, the electric Kini - a Titans affiliate player - is now in the frame to make his NRL debut at just 19 and showed his potential against the Tigers, proving to be a constant threat with the ball in hand.
Match: Bears v Tigers
Round 7 -
home Team
Bears
2nd Position
away Team
Tigers
5th Position
Venue: UAA Park, Gold Coast
Burleigh coach Luke Burt is unsure whether the Bears will have their young star for Round 8 against the competition-leading Central Queensland Capras.
"I thought Keano Kini was fantastic today," Burt said.
"He was sensational back there and I reckon there might be a chance we might not have him next week. Good luck to the kid.
"Being honest, in January I probably did not (expect this form from him), but after the Titans trials, this is exactly what we expected from Keano. He’s been fantastic."
Burt was also full of praise for his forward pack and the effort they put in against the Tigers, stating they set the tone for the match in the opening 30 minutes, with backrower Jacob Alick taking out the Round 7 Hastings Deering player of the match.
Alick also bagged himself a try, as did centre Kea Pere and winger Ken Maumalo.
"It was a gritty, tough win," Burt said.
"I thought we put ourselves under pressure a couple of times but overall it was a really tough effort by the boys and we ground out a good win against a quality side.
"I definitely expected that (from the Tigers). Especially with the Storm having a bye this week and the players coming back for them, it made it a bit tougher.
"They’ve played some really good footy this year and they’re a good defensive side. For the boys to hang in there like we did and get the win was excellent."
The Tigers will also have plenty to be proud of, pushing the Bears to the final hooter.
It was Brisbane's first loss since Round 2 and they will look to bounce back next week when they host the Townsville Blackhawks at Totally Workwear Stadium.
For a wrap of the Saturday games from Round 7, click here.
