Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks’ Matt Ikuvalu’s injury during training presented the opportunity for Cook Islands international Kayal Iro to become Shark #555 when he took to the field over the weekend to take on the Bulldogs at PointsBet Stadium in New South Wales, Australia.

Twenty two year old Iro made his mark in National Rugby League (NRL) in his debut for Cronulla this weekend playing on the wing and in jersey 21 as the Sharks defeated the Canterbury Bulldogs 16-0.

A proud Cook Islander, Iro grew up on the main island of Rarotonga and is the son of parents Tina and former Kiwi international and Super League star Kevin Iro, who is currently the islands’ Te Marae Moana ambassador.

His proud mum Tina said: “We are truly excited for Kayal. We know how hard he has worked to get to where he is today and we know that he will have an excellent career with the Sharks.”

Iro signed his contract with the Sharks last month in what was an emotional week as his father and brother Andre flew over for the occasion, the first time he had seen them in two years.

Shortly after signing Kayal said hopes to follow in his father’s footsteps and make him proud.

The versatile back has already played international rugby for the Cook Islands, both in Nines and fully-fledged internationals, so it looks like Iro is going to live up to his father’s legacy in the NRL.