Cronulla young gun Kayal Iro has one of the rugby league world’s best centres of the 1990s watching his every move and working to improve his game.
The tutor just happens to be his dad Kevin, so destructive in his playing days that he was known in both Super League and the NRL as ‘The Beast’.
“I’m too young to have seen him play but I’ve seen plenty of him on video,” Kayal told Wide World of Sports.
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“I’ve tried to model my game on him but he was definitely more dynamic than me – he was amazing.
“He is living back home in the Cook Islands but watches the games and we talk or text during the week.
Sharks centre Kayal Iro. Getty
“He gives me plenty of feedback – good and bad – but that’s what I need and I know it comes from the heart.
“He has helped me improve my game and I can’t thank him enough.”
The 24-year-old Kayal has followed in his father’s footsteps, playing Test football in the centres for the Cook Islands – and managed to do it before he became a regular first grader.
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This season has been his breakout year, with the strong running centre cementing a regular top grade spot for the Sharks and scoring some spectacular tries.
“I’m happy with the way I’m going but feel I am still learning first grade footy,” he said.
“Having Dad in my corner is a big help and I’m sure we will talk again before Friday night’s game against the Cowboys.”