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Dragons youngster Lyhkan King-Togia has revealed the inspirational role his mother played in laying the foundation for a meteoric rise to the NRL.
The 19-year-old is preparing for the sixth game of his first-grade career when St George Illawarra take on the Warriors and his mum will be front of mind when he runs on to WIN Stadium during Harvey Norman Women in League Round.
King-Togia was one of five boys growing up in a chaotic household in the small Queensland town of Dalby, with the quintet getting up to plenty of mischief over the years.
While inspired by his uncle, former Manly legend Steve Matai, to pursue a career in the NRL, the teenager said it was ultimately his mother's sacrifices that allowed him to chase his dream.
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Dylan Egan Try
"Mum played a big role for me, she did a lot for us," King-Togia said. "She would get us to games and training when dad was at work and she [was juggling] me and my brothers, it was great everything mum did for us.
"She kept up with us when we were running amok so I'm grateful to have her there."
Match: Dragons v Warriors
Round 10 -
home Team
Dragons
14th Position
away Team
Warriors
2nd Position
Venue: WIN Stadium, Wollongong
King-Togia is preparing for his second NRL game of the season against the Warriors on Saturday after he was called into the side for last week's Magic Round clash with the Wests Tigers.
The youngster's family made the trip to Brisbane to watch and while the Dragons fell short of victory, the halfback put on a show on the big stage.
King-Togia finished with two try assists, a line break and two line-break assists as he replaced Lachlan Ilias, who was dropped to reserve grade. Now, the goal is to remain in the No.7 jumper for the remainder of the season.
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Lyhkan King-Togia Try
"It was the goal for me to get here and the next goal is to stay here so that's what I'm focused on doing," King-Togia said.
"I just need consistency. If I'm consistent and just worrying about my part in the team, then we'll let the rest take care of itself."
The Dragons have held a high opinion of King-Togia after he was spotted by recruitment guru Ian Millward at a rugby league carnival in Queensland.
He joined the club's pathway in 2023 after and quickly rose from Illawarra Steelers SG Ball to Jersey Flegg and later NSW Cup in the space of a few months.
The halfback is one of a number of talented juniors coming through the pipeline, with Gerringong duo Hamish Stewart and Dylan Egan making impressive starts to their NRL careers.
Coach Shane Flanagan will blood another youngster on Saturday when NSW Under 19 representative Loko Pasifiki Tonga makes his debut off the bench.
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Pasifiki Tonga's emotional NRL call up
St George Illawarra officials have done their best to lock down the talented crop of youngsters and while they have lost Finau Latu to the Bulldogs, secured a major win when King-Togia signed a two-year contract extension last week.
The halfback has impressed his senior teammates and Dragons centre Valentine Holmes is confident King-Togia has a bright future.
"It's a big step up to NSW Cup to the NRL and not only the NRL but Magic Round, it's a big occasion and he did really well," Holmes said.
"We all know what a talent he is and the ball-playing skills he has but it's the defensive side of things that you need to be really good at because if teams see a young half you know you're going to get traffic sent through you.
"He defended well, moved well and spoke really well."
While he was a Manly fan as a child, courtesy of his hard-hitting uncle, King-Togia had a different player he grew up idolising.
Former Warriors legend Shaun Johnson.
The Dragons youngster has modelled his game on the retired halfback, playing with the same freewheeling attacking mindset that saw Johnson develop into a fan favourite.
On Saturday King-Togia will look to outduel Johnson's protege Luke Metcalf when the pair go face to face at WIN Stadium.
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A match-winning double for Metcalf
The Warriors No.7 has been in sublime form of late, steering his side to third on the ladder and soaring to fourth on the Dally M standings in the process.
King-Togia recognises it will be a tough contest but said his mindset will not change as the Dragons look to snap a two-game losing streak.
"I used to like watching Shaun Johnson with the flair he had on the field," King-Togia said.
"Flanno just wants me to go out there and have fun. I feel that's when I'm playing my best, when I'm just having fun.
"It's good to play [the Warriors], they're a quality side and they're going well so hopefully we can do the job this week."
