Official Kevin Kingston

[Google News]

Ex-Shark Kingston relishes Cronulla game

Ex-Shark Kingston relishes Cronulla gameNRL.COM... face his former Cronulla teammates on Sunday at Toyota Stadium, but is expecting no favours as the Eels aim to keep alive their slim NRL finals hopes. ...

Source: http://news.google.com/news/url?fd=R&sa=T&url=http://www.nrl.com/newsviews/latestnews/newsarticle/tabid/10874/newsid/56105/ex-shark-kingston-relishes-cronulla-game/default.aspx&usg=AFQjCNFXEl7wFGsmMK9P9ijSbQC6pgv3_g

Ex-Shark Kingston relishes Cronulla game
By Ian McCullough
01 Aug 2009 14:31:14

Parramatta hooker Kevin Kingston says he can't wait to face his former Cronulla teammates on Sunday at Toyota Stadium, but is expecting no favours as the Eels aim to keep alive their slim NRL finals hopes.

Kingston, who spent four years at the Sharks, has been one of the unsung heroes in Parramatta's recent good run of form, and scored his first try in the blue and gold in the Eels' shock 27-8 win over the Bulldogs last week.

The 26-year-old admits he is one of the less heralded members of the side and said he is happy to sit under the radar and let the likes of Daniel Mortimer and Jarryd Hayne grab the spotlight.

"I am just happy to do my job for the team and be playing regularly," he told AAP.

"I think one of the main reasons we have had a good recent run of form is that we have had a settled one, nine, seven and six with Daniel Mortimer and Jeff Robson doing a good job in the halves and Jarryd Hayne playing brilliantly at fullback."

Kingston is still close mates with Ben Pomeroy, Brett Kearney and Paul Gallen and is expecting nothing less than a battle on Sunday and said he is fully expecting some stick from the home crowd.

"I am sure I will be getting dog's abuse!" he said.

"But I am really looking forward to getting back there, I had a great four years at the club and still have a lot of mates there, and also it is a close drive to the stadium for me."

Kingston is also aware that the Eels need to win every game this season to have any realistic chance of reaching the semi-finals, but said the victory over the Bulldogs was a massive confidence booster.

"It showed that on our day we can beat anyone but we need to produce those type of performances week in week out," he said.

"Reaching the final has not been discussed, because if we do then we are in danger of losing focus."

The Sharks will be without injured star five-eighth Trent Barrett on Sunday with Blake Green filling the No.6 shirt and the 22-year-old is determined to make the most of his opportunity against the club he started his career with.

"It's obviously big shoes to fill but I'm looking forward to playing against my old club," he said.

"I played against the Eels last year but I came off the bench and I played a utility role so this is the first time I play in my preferred position against them so it's going to be a big challenge because they're going really well."

 

[hitman124]

Did anyone see Kinga today?

"gees this kids good!" screamed rabits as Kinga blitzed out of dummy half to gain about 40 meters, eventually resulting in a try.


Did show any signs of this when he was with us?

 

[Megashark]

Did show any signs of this when he was with us?

Just ask Peach then ask Sharkyboy and you will get opinions from opposite ends of the spectrum! :trent:

 

[brad]

yeh i got no idea what parra has done to make him play like he is. was always a one dimensional hooker. basically just pass and tackle was all he did

 

[SharkBoy]

Yeah he was just a solid hooker at best. Nothing spectacular. He's added more to his game now it looks like.

 

[peachey]

he is steggles but he can actually pass the ball..if this prick did for us what he has done with parra i might have liked him and not hated him

 

[Garbs]

he is steggles but he can actually pass the ball..if this prick did for us what he has done with parra i might have liked him and not hated him

Time and time again you prove what a monumental disgrace you are! Why would anyone hate Kinga? He struggled with us in his last season; was released and has now kicked on. Good on him, I wish him nothing but the best.

 

[Google News]

Sorry to burst your bubble, Kev tells home townGold Coast News - goldcoast.com.auFor Kingston the clash with the Titans and the journey into the finals is his reward for switching from the Sharks. He could have stayed put in the Cronulla ...

Source: http://news.google.com/news/url?fd=R&sa=T&url=http://www.goldcoast.com.au/article/2009/09/18/138575_gold-coast-sport.html&usg=AFQjCNF-0y4N9KtKZ4LJh4SQenJoCnnM_g

Sorry to burst your bubble, Kev tells home town
Patrick Molihan
September 18th, 2009

EELS hooker Kevin Kingston wants to say `sorry' to league fans on the Gold Coast now because he fully intends to end the Titans' title dream.

The former Nerang Rooster is living the dream after switching clubs from drama-plagued Cronulla to Parramatta.

And he's not about to give it up, even if it means upsetting his old home town.

"I know it's their first time in the finals and things like that but I'm sorry," said Kingston, who fortunately doesn't have to break the hearts directly of any of his old Nerang High and Palm Beach Currumbin High School classmates.

"I went to school with (Titan) Luke O'Dwyer but he's injured at the moment," he said.

It's been a different matter for the Kingston clan at Nerang.

Kevin's dad Ross has copped some friendly fire from Manly supporters after they fell out the back and his son's side survived.

The Kingstons also follow the Titans and they say most of their friends would like to see both sides survive.

"A lot of them are for Kev, so they want both things to happen," said Ross.

"But I don't think they'll be too upset.

"For the last eight years Kev's really struggled and worked hard and this year he's come good.

"If they do get up it'll be a real feather in his cap."

Kevin credits the Eels' loss to the Titans at Skilled Park in July as the turning point for the side's season.

"That's where we started to play the footy that we wanted to play," he said.

"We started throwing the ball around. It didn't work that night but it's come good since then, that's for sure."

For Kingston the clash with the Titans and the journey into the finals is his reward for switching from the Sharks.

He could have stayed put in the Cronulla Shire and battled Corey Hughes for the top job but instead backed himself under Daniel Anderson.

"As soon as I left I felt fresh," he said.

"It was like I was going to do something new with my footy. So that's kept me interested in the game which is good."

The biggest issue for Kingston to handle at the moment is the nerves.

For most they disappear with the opening whistle but as a super sub, he's coming off the bench to introduce much needed spark ... and he never knows when the call will come.

``It's torture and by the time I got out there against the Dragons I was buggered,'' he said.

``I warmed up that much, on the bike, stretching, running around.

``It's a nervous wait, especially not knowing when you are going to come on.''

 

[sharkyboy]

if kingston scores i might pop a testicle...how good is he playing, probs stoked that he left sharkies

 

[Henchmann]

if kingston scores i might pop a testicle...how good is he playing, probs stoked that he left sharkies

I dont think Parra have signed Kingston for next year yet either??

 

[Google News]

Kingston's offer to pay to play

Kingston's offer to pay to playDaily TelegraphReleased from Cronulla 12 months early after being told he would not play NRL, Kingston only linked with Parramatta on an incentive-based deal last November ...

Source: http://news.google.com/news/url?fd=R&sa=T&url=http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/kingstons-offer-to-pay-to-play/story-e6frexnr-1225780623644&usg=AFQjCNFZzyNE4E21NSyht6aSK1tzB9PCAg

Kingston's offer to pay to play
By Josh Massoud
September 29, 2009 12:01AM

BLUE and gold battler Kevin Kingston has personified the incredible camaraderie that's driving Parramatta's fairytale premiership charge, offering to hand back $50,000 worth of match payments to stay an Eel.

And the Grand Final week mateship has also inspired winger Eric Grothe, who is pleading with Parramatta officials to be given a pay-cut next year so his close friend can remain at the club in 2010.

Thanks to a wicked salary cap quirk, Sunday's decider at ANZ Stadium shapes as Kingston's Parramatta swan song.

Eels CEO Paul Osborne and coach Daniel Anderson are desperate to keep him, but are snookered because NRL rules state that match payments must be included in the following year's cap.

It's believed the former Cronulla rake - whose off-the-bench injections have been crucial to Parramatta's barnstorming run - has earned about $50,000 from his 18 appearances this season.

If Kingston stayed, that money would be counted towards Parramatta's 2010 cap - and the Eels simply don't have the room after signing representative recruitsTimana Tahu, Justin Poore and Shane Shackleton.

Kingston's dashing form has solicited a modest offer from neighbouring rivals Penrith, but the 26-year-old is now emotionally tied to Parramatta and is willing to make a huge personal sacrifice to stay.

At Saturday's pool recovery session, Kingston approached chairman Roy Spagnolo and offered to waive his entire 2009 match payments so Parramatta can accommodate him next year.

"I'll do anything to keep playing rugby league here and I asked Roy if that's something I could do,'' he told The Daily Telegraph. "I spoke to my wife (Mel) after the win over the Bulldogs about it. We had quite a long chat and decided together that it was something we'd be willing to do.

"t's definitely not beneficial financially, but I just want to stay here. My heart is at Parramatta and we're really building something special at this club. I'm willing to make the sacrifice so I don't have regrets. I suppose it's up to [salary cap auditor] Ian Schubert now.''

Released from Cronulla 12 months early after being told he would not play NRL, Kingston only linked with Parramatta on an incentive-based deal last November. But the Queensland product has quickly become popular with his new teammates, none more so than fellow Sutherland Shire resident Grothe.

They began driving to training and matches together after just one session and now spend time outside football listening to live music and drinking coffee.

Their friendship last week inspired Grothe to beg club officials to cut his 2010 salary on Kingston's behalf, a heart-warming gesture that stirs memories of Michael Crocker's offer to play in England so Melbourne could keep good mate Clint Newton after the 2007 Grand Final.

"It's such a nice thing of Eric, but I don't want him to do that,'' Kingston said. "Eric shouldn't suffer financially for me.''

 

[Capital_Shark]

Kingston's offer to pay to playDaily TelegraphReleased from Cronulla 12 months early after being told he would not play NRL, Kingston only linked with Parramatta on an incentive-based deal last November ...

A nod goes out to the guys round here to who picked Kinga as a champ - sharkyboy, jedman... couple others too I think.

 

[peachey]

A nod goes out to the guys round here to who picked Kinga as a champ - sharkyboy, jedman... couple others too I think.

yeah, now that he isnt playing like a busted for another club :birdno

 

[hitman124]

he isnt doing anything outstanding is he? he comes off the bench for the last ten minutes of the half and sometimes has a nice run out of dummy half, no way hed ever be able to take the starting job.

 

[Capital_Shark]

Mate he's doing alright he's doing what he's told to be doing and he's doing it at 100% and loving it. He keeps doing that who knows what he could do.

 

[Google News]

Gold Coast News - goldcoast.com.auKingston happy to enjoy the momentGold Coast News - goldcoast.com.auEventually, Anderson settled on a dual hooking role with Matt Keating and now the former Nerang Rooster is seeing payday as he takes part in his first NRL ...

Source: http://news.google.com/news/url?fd=R&sa=T&url=http://www.goldcoast.com.au/article/2009/09/29/142245_gold-coast-titans.html&usg=AFQjCNGnj0ggHmIBxjn97GcYpQdUhopcxQ

Kingston happy to enjoy the moment
Patrick Molihan
September 29th, 2009

Parramatta's Gold Coast hooker Kevin Kingston realises the salary cap may force him out of the Eels ofter Sunday's grand final. Picture: Brett Costello

SALARY cap pressures at Parramatta means making long-term plans is tough for Kevin Kingston but the happy hooker from the Gold Coast isn't going to let it dampen his grand final joy.

Kingston's only a one-year deal and while superstar fullback Jarryd Hayne's manager has done a deal worth $2 million to keep him at the club for four years there's little left in the kitty.

The preferred option for Kingston is to stay but he has to think of the future.

"Yeah it sortsa sucks but I suppose the salary cap's there to do its job to make everyone fair," he said.

"I don't think it's meant to keep me out of the game, really. I'm just the unlucky one. I'm hoping to stay but I'm still looking at other options.

"Fortunately, this week I don't get to think about that. I just get to think about a grand final."

It's not something the 26-year-old was thinking about too much early in the season.

He played just six games for the Sharks last season and punted on a bright future with the Eels but was made to bide his time by coach Daniel Anderson.

Eventually, Anderson settled on a dual hooking role with Matt Keating and now the former Nerang Rooster is seeing payday as he takes part in his first NRL grand final.

"Well ... it was a gamble coming here," he said.

"It started off not looking so good but after round 11 I started kicking on.

"Who'd have thought we'd be here. Geez! I think it's good to look back and see where we've come from and how hard we've worked.

"It'll be a special night on Sunday night."

The victory against the Bulldogs secured the Eels their first grand final appearance since 2001.

For the players the fact they're off to a grand final only hit home yesterday when the media pack arrived ahead of some 4000 fans at training.

"Yeah it's finally sunk in. Monday morning and the hornet's nest is here.

"All the cameras are here," said Kingston, who admits the fan in him is loving living the grand final dream.

"I'll have plenty of things to get signed from the fellas and things like that.

"I'm just going to try and open my eyes and enjoy it and soak it all in. Try not to stress too much.

"Ando (coach Daniel Anderson) had a good chat to us. He's obviously been there a couple of times before (NRL and Super League) and he just told us to enjoy the moment and pick your times to be professional and switch on and things like that."

 

[Google News]

Bulging salary cap means Eels quintet could face grand finale for clubLeague HQ... by NRL salary cap auditor Ian Schubert to value him at $110000 after the former Cronulla hooker earned that amount this season on an incentive contract, ...

Source: http://news.google.com/news/url?fd=R&sa=T&url=http://www.leaguehq.com.au/news/lhqnews/eels-exodus-on-cards/2009/10/01/1253989999281.html&usg=AFQjCNGrpwxxg0T68k6CQLeoX5LAt4twZQ

Bulging salary cap means Eels quintet could face grand finale for club
Brad Walter and Andrew Stevenson
October 2, 2009

<EDITED>

After signing representative stars Justin Poore, Shane Shackleton and Timana Tahu during their horror mid-season form slump, the Eels are now battling to retain some of the lesser name players who have lifted them from wooden spoon contenders to grand finalist in the past three months, and there is speculation they will have to shed others to fit under the salary cap.

Like Robson, hooker Kevin Kingston is unsure where he will be playing next season, while lock Todd Lowrie is headed to Melbourne and second-rower Joe Galuvao has signed with Manly.

<EDITED>

Kingston also wants to stay but the club can not afford to re-sign him following a decision by NRL salary cap auditor Ian Schubert to value him at $110,000 after the former Cronulla hooker earned that amount this season on an incentive contract, and he fears being driven out of the game.

''At the moment, I'm unemployed come October. I don't know what I'll do: some job where I can look after my family,'' he said. ''The unfortunate thing is I'm playing well but everyone's plate is full. There's better players than me going to miss out on contracts. I'm just unlucky, I think.''

<EDITED>

 

[Google News]

Chilled-out hooker ensures Grothe is on timeGold Coast News - goldcoast.com.auWhile yet to secure his future for next season, the Nerang Roosters junior is delighted just to be in the NRL's biggest game after switching from the Sharks ...and more »

Source: http://news.google.com/news/url?fd=R&sa=T&url=http://www.goldcoast.com.au/article/2009/10/03/143995_gold-coast-titans.html&usg=AFQjCNH1k7IBqnq_hkfWi_bYi01I77IHug

Chilled-out hooker ensures Grothe is on time
Patrick Molihan
October 3rd, 2009

EELS hooker Kevin Kingston has deliberately changed nothing about his routine this week, even driving and getting the coffees for Eric Grothe as he tries to keep things `normal' in the build-up to the biggest game of his career.

As he's done all year Kingston will come off the bench for Parramatta against the Storm at ANZ Stadium tomorrow.

The toughest part will be to keep the nerves in check as the action unfolds and he waits to be a part of what he hopes will be Parramatta's first premiership since 1986.

"My job is not to get too excited on the bench and do too much warming up because (then) I get out there and have a bit of a lacklustre performance," said Kingston.

"As long as I chill out on the bench and read the game a little bit, then just come on and do my job."

Chilling out hasn't been a problem this week.

When he's home he has had wife Melissa and baby boy Billy to keep him occupied and on the long drives from the Sutherland Shire to training at Parramatta, there's his car pool partner Grothe.

Kingston believes the club should be paying him a bonus just for ensuring the normally tardy Grothe has been making it to training on time.

"My attendance has been up 30 per cent -- and I guess I've got Kevin to thank for it," said Grothe.

Kingston's cameos off the bench have produced plenty for the Eels. He grabbed a try in the semi-final against Gold Coast and crossed for another against the Bulldogs only to have it disallowed.

"All tries are a bonus for me because I don't get too many," he said.

"I was a bit disappointed about that one but I'll look to this week to make up for it."

While yet to secure his future for next season, the Nerang Roosters junior is delighted just to be in the NRL's biggest game after switching from the Sharks.

And it's not just for him, with friends, family and even Gold Coast juniors able to share in his joy.

"It's great, since playing NRL I've been going home each year and seeing the kids, doing the presentation nights and things like that," he said.

 

[Google News]

Gold Coast News - goldcoast.com.auKevin Kingston's moment of gloryGold Coast News - goldcoast.com.auJoining the Eels from Cronulla in 2009, Kingston was forced to work hard for his spot this season after starting the year in the New South Wales Cup with ...

Source: http://news.google.com/news/url?fd=R&sa=T&url=http://www.goldcoast.com.au/article/2009/10/04/144185_gold-coast-news.html&usg=AFQjCNFX_NnEW4cV4wHSl8FEtg9hcSS6Uw

Kevin Kingston's moment of glory
Jake Dew
October 4th, 2009

ROSS Kingston just knew.

As he sat on the sidelines watching his son Kevin run around for the Nerang Roosters as a junior, he could tell he was always destined to crack the NRL.

"The way he was playing as a junior, and the representative games and everything, you could see the determination," said his proud father from the family's Nerang home.

"He was going to make it; he was too determined not to."

Counting down towards the biggest game of Kingston's life, Ross, mum Lynne and older brother PJ were showing more sign of nerves than Kevin.

"It's very exciting, it's unbelievable," said PJ, who was in Sydney last weekend to watch his brother's Eels defeat the Bulldogs to qualify for today's season decider.

"I was more nervous than him last weekend. There were a few of his mates down there as well and we had to have a few beers beforehand to calm ourselves down."

PJ expects his brother to take the same approach for this weekend's match as he has for every other game throughout his life.

"Last week, all day he was relaxed, and it's the same this week which is good for them. That's the way they play."

Joining the Eels from Cronulla in 2009, Kingston was forced to work hard for his spot this season after starting the year in the New South Wales Cup with Wentworthville.

With injuries and the departure of Brett Finch -- who lines up against the Eels for Melbourne on Sunday -- it opened up oppor-tunities for toilers like Kingston.

But Lynne always believed Kevin would eventually get his chance with the Eels.

"Right at the beginning until (former coach) Michael Hagan left we thought he would get in the run-on squad but then when Daniel Anderson came we thought he would be in Premier League all year," she said.

"But he's actually seemed happier this year than any other year he has been in Sydney and it's helped his football."

With defence winning matches, PJ said Kevin would revel in the tough stuff.

PJ said Kevin's defence was always the 26-year-old's biggest strength and he knew that, like his dad, his brother had what it took to crack the big time.

With his parents and brother in the stands on Sunday, Lynne said Kevin's biggest fan, granddad Kev Cavanagh, would be watching closer than anyone from home in Coolangatta.

"Grandad is his biggest fan," said Lynne. "He bets on him all the time to score the last try and this weekend will be no different. He'll be watching very closely."

Win, lose or draw, one thing you can bet on is the Kingston clan will be proud as punch.

"It's amazing and I'm proud of him. But I'm proud of both my boys," said Lynne.

 

[BurgoShark]

IMO letting Kingston go was a worse decision than letting Kimmorley or De Gois go. He is head and shoulders above Seu Seu, Hughes and Caine and we could have kept him for peanuts.

... and this is not because Parra made the GF. Kinga was already playing great footy back in June when Parra were getting beaten every week.

What a shame that the guy can't get a run. He's good enough, and he even offered to pay back some of his match payments (the NRL declined the offer) so that he could play for $60k again next year.