'Giddy' stays grounded ahead of debut

The Fijian-born forward is a big-bodied edge back-rower who joined Wests Tigers last year after coming through the Cronulla junior system.

‘Giddy’ moved to Australia from Fiji when he was eleven years of age and fell in love with rugby league. He says he knew before even hitting his teens that he wanted to play in the NRL.

“As soon as I arrived in Australia, I knew this was the game for me. I just love it, always have.”

Kitione will become the seventh Wests Tigers player to make his NRL debut this season. The 19-year-old says he’s excited it’s happening after a tricky run with injuries, “I’ve had ankle and hamstring injuries so that has been tough, but I’ve just been patient and trained hard.

"It’s been great seeing others make their debuts this season and now I’m going to do it as well.

I am so excited, not nervous, just really excited."

Kitione Kautoga

"As the game gets closer I’m sure that might change but I just want to get out there and give it my best for the team.”

Kautoga has made steady progress through Wests Tigers pathways system over the past eighteen months.

He played a few games last year for Western Suburbs Magpies SG Ball side, and this season has been a big part of Wests Tigers finals bound Jersey Flegg side.

Flegg coach Scott Kenna says Kitione has been at his best over the past month or so, "He's been playing some really good football now that he's fully fit and injury free."

He's strong in a number of areas, aggressive in defence, good off-load and good leg speed for a big back rower."

Scott Kenna

"We all wish him well on Sunday."