He was destined to be a Raider. Now he leads the Warriors on grand final day….
From Raider Prospect to Warriors Leader: Kalani Going’s Remarkable Journey to Grand Final Day
Kalani Going’s rugby league journey could have easily seen him wearing the lime green of the Canberra Raiders. Coming through their youth system, he was once destined to become a Raider. However, life had other plans. Returning home to Northland, Going balanced farm work with a gruelling five-hour round trip just to train, a detour that seemed to pause his professional dreams.
Now, at 28, Going stands as captain of the New Zealand Warriors’ NSW Cup side, leading them into the grand final after a season where he was named NSW Cup Player of the Year. His leadership and consistent performances have been pivotal in guiding the Warriors to their first premiership in the competition, marking a career highlight for the Northland native.
Going’s story is one of resilience and destiny coming full circle. Once on the cusp of playing for Canberra, he has embraced his journey and become a key figure for the Warriors, inspiring teammates and fans alike. As the Warriors prepare for grand final day, Going’s unlikely path from Raider hopeful to Warriors captain exemplifies determination and the power of following your own course.
