Jordan Kahu wants young men to see his pain from Broncos exit as an example

Jordan Kahu says he wanted to show young men it was good mentally to not bottle up emotions when he revealed the depths of his anguish over leaving the Broncos.

Kahu had a reason for his honesty. Image: Evan Morgan

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Jordan Kahu says he wanted to show young men it was good mentally to not bottle up emotions when he revealed the depths of his anguish over leaving the Broncos.

Kahu disclosed last week in an online column that he was in tears when he signed release papers at the Broncos on February 17, having come to the conclusion there would not be opportunity this year under new coach Anthony Seibold.

In the countdown to his first match against his old club for the Cowboys on Friday night, Kahu said his motivation to show a vulnerability which most footballers and most young men would seek to hide was vital.

Kahu had a reason for his honesty. Image: Evan Morgan

“I just think letting people know what went on behind the scenes was important,’’ Kahu said.

“A lot of people assumed a lot of things and I wanted to share what happened.

“It’s good to get my emotions out there and be a good role model for the younger generation so they can speak up when they are doing it tough, share their emotions rather than just bottling things up. It’s crucial.’’

The former Bronco said last week he wanted “to prove people wrong’’ at his former club.

Kahu said he sensed during the pre-season that he was not going to be a first-choice Bronco, and when he asked Seibold what he needed to do, was told to “train hard and an opportunity might present itself’’.

Kahu had no desire to leave Brisbane. Image: AAP Image/Albert Perez

Asked if Seibold was one he wanted to prove wrong, Kahu said: “No, no one in particular.

“I want to prove myself at fullback, week in and week out. I haven’t been given many chances there at the Broncos. I had a game here and there since 2015, when I played some games there and it was one of my better years.’’

Kahu was further dismayed last month that he did not have a chance to say goodbye in person to Broncos teammates he had played with for up to six years, but has talked or been on social media with some in the intervening four weeks.

The Kiwi has settled in quick to his new surroundings. Image: Evan Morgan

The New Zealand international has a one-year contract only at the Cowboys, but insists he would feel at home in Townsville.

“I’m pretty set to be honest. I moved into my new place [on Monday] and my family will be here by next week,’’ he said.

“I’m pretty comfortable and loving it here at the moment.

“It’s the whole community around the Cowboys who have welcomed me. Footy means a lot here. They have a big history against the Broncos.’’

Fellow Kiwi international Jamayne Isaako said he knew the derby would be an “emotional game’’ for Kahu.

“This is where he played most of his professional footy and he will coming up against a lot of his good mates, like Alex (Glenn) and Joe (Ofahengaue),’’ Isaako said.

“My relationship with Jordan was pretty tight. We were really good friends. It will huge for him, but hopefully we can get the two points.

“There will be talk here that if he gets the ball he will returning it at this player or that player.’’