LeagueNews.co | Nick Loken

Captain KL: Iro honoured to captain Cook Islands

KL Iro expressed his pride in being named the captain of the Cook Islands for the Pacific Championships, recalling a speech he gave in school where he declared his aspiration to play for the Aitu.

In a surprising twist, Iro learned of his captaincy from his father, Kevin, before he received formal notification. He opted to decline an invitation from the Kiwis to focus on leading the Cook Islands in their upcoming match against Fiji in Port Moresby this Saturday.

Born in England during his father's tenure with Wigan, Iro spent his early years in Arorangi, Rarotonga, before relocating to Auckland to pursue a rugby league career.

Though he had the option to play for New Zealand, Iro's aspiration was to emulate his father's legacy. Kevin Iro played for the Cook Islands in 2000 and 2006 and later took on the role of coach.