As the saying goes, like father, like son.
That is certainly true of the Iro family whose father Kevin played almost 350 career games – and over 300 of them in the UK.
Iro, known for his strength and devastating runs in the centres, will be remembered most fondly at Super League side St Helens for whom he scored in their 1999 Super League Grand Final victory over Bradford Bulls.
Having won the 1999 Grand Final, St. Helens contested in the 2000 World Club Challenge against NRL champions the Melbourne Storm, with Iro playing at centre in the loss.
Iro’s trophy cabinet bulged even further after playing for Saints in their 2000 Super League Grand Final victory over Wigan Warriors. As Super League V champions, St. Helens played against 2000 NRL Premiers, the Brisbane Broncos in the 2001 World Club Challenge with ‘The Beast’ once more playing a starring role.
Before he joined Saints, Iro enjoyed spells at Wigan and Leeds with 100 appearances for Wigan under his belt and 124 for Leeds, scoring a total of 124 tries.
Now, it’s his son Kayal’s turn who has signed for NRL side Cronulla Sharks and has been immediately included in their top 30 squad for the rest of the 2022 season, The Mole at the Wide World of Sports has reported.
Having been in superb form for the high-flying Newtown Jets in the NSW Cup this season, Iro was handed a contract with the Sharks until the end of 2024.
Aged just 22, Iro certainly did not look out of place as he starred for the Cook Islands in their heavy defeat to Samoa in the recent Pacific Test match.
A former Warriors under 20s player and Newcastle lower grader, the silky centre could well get a shot in the NRL if injuries hit the Sharks towards the end of the season.
He’s certainly one to keep an eye on for Wigan, Leeds and St Helens supporters!
