Kingston signs with Penrith so Nerang must wait - Gold Coast Bulletin News
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Kingston signs with Penrith so Nerang must wait
Patrick Molihan
April 3rd, 2010
His parents would rather he play for Nerang but Kevin Kingston is stoked to have a three-year contract with Penrith
KEVIN Kingston is stoked to have sorted out his long-term future but he's not going to crow about it because he knows Penrith is probably only the `second best' option for his folks.
The hooker has extended his deal by three years until the end of 2013 which is `incredible' for a player normally forced to operate on season-by-season contracts.
While it's great for Kev, wife Melissa and 18-month-old Billy's future he knows Penrith probably wasn't first choice for his mum Lynne and father Ross.
"I think they are pretty happy," said Kevin of his Gold Coast-based family.
"But I think in the back of their minds they always want me to come home and play for the Nerang Roosters. I think this is second best."
As for wife Melissa: "She's rapt. She is biased though and thinks I'm getting my just desserts."
Penrith are pretty rapt too with their new buy.
Kingston was dynamic during Parramatta's charge towards the grand final last year but while he proved a winner off the bench the salary cap didn't allow the Eels to return the love.
The 26-year-old, who'd played 59 games for the Sharks after moving down to Sydney, thought it best not to plan too far ahead but now that's all changed after the Panthers locked him away.
"I'm just that happy to be here for the next three years," he said.
"It's great to be settled and one less thing to worry about.
"All I've been thinking about is that's another 75 games in the NRL I can have.
"Hopefully it doesn't affect me because (with an uncertain future) last year I played like every game was my last."
Things are different too at the Panthers. When Kevin played for the Eels he shared the job with Matt Keating but now he's definitely the man for the Panthers and feels like he's found a home.
"I have the greatest opportunity to play a lot of minutes," he said.
"Roles are reversed and I'm the team's starting hooker now and a bit more important to the team.
"I like how Matt (Elliott) is chilled out and backs me to make my own decisions. He leaves a lot of it up to me and I'm not having to follow strict instructions."
Kingston will be out to celebrate his new deal with a victory against the Knights on Monday.
It's a game the Panthers certainly expect to win but Kingston admits playing the Knights in Newcastle is a big ask.
"They get fired up in front of a home crowd and we just have to weather the storm," he said.
And so too will the Nerang Roosters without their homegrown star for another four seasons at least.