Wests Magpies, East Campbelltown junior Kit Laulilii completes shotgun rise to NRL

Last year Kit Laulilii captained the Wests Magpies to the Harold Matthews Cup title, now after a meteoric rise he’s poised to become the second member of that side to crack the NRL.

Kit Laulilii, Wests Tigers, set to make NRL debut 1 September 2023.

When Wests Tigers enforcer Kit Laulilii suits up at Brookvale Oval on Friday night, it will mark the final step in a whirlwind rise to the NRL.

This time last year, the Liverpool and East Campbelltown junior was still carting it up for Westfield Sports High after captaining Wests Magpies to the Harold Matthews Cup title.

Now, when Benji Marshall calls the 18-year-old off the bench in his side’s final outing, the No.15 will join Tallyn Da Silva as the second member from that successful u17s combination to crack the top grade.

Boom rookies: Captain Kit Laulilii (2nd right) with members of the Wests Magpies’ 2022 Harold Matts premiership winning side, (L-R) Tallyn Da Silva, Lachlan Galvin, Jordan Miller, Jeremiah Leatigaga, Kit Laulilii and James Folaumoetui. Picture: Richard Dobson

“It’s been a roller coaster year,” said Laulilii.

“If you told me last year that I’d be a chance for first grade, I would have said you are lying. To play SG Ball, Jersey Flegg, NSW Cup and now NRL in the one season – it doesn't feel right to be honest.”

If not for a near miss, the middle forward could well have come face-to-face have with Jared Waerea-Hargreaves in last week’s fiery encounter with the Roosters.

“I was 18th man and sat on the bench the whole game,” explained Laulilii.

“All my friends and family were in the crowd, then when Daine Laurie went down I thought to myself, ‘oh crap this actually might be the moment’, but then he got back up.”

Kit Laulilii in action for Westfield Sports High in the NRL Schoolboys Cup, 2022. Picture: Richard Dobson

Now it’s all roads to the Northern Beaches, where once again the humble backrower can expect to feel the love from the stands.

“They keep nagging me for tickets, thankfully my sister is dealing with the club,” Laulilii said of the rising outside pressures.

“I’ve asked for 40 or 50 tickets, but because it’s an away game I don’t think we can get that many. But the club is trying their best to make it a memorable debut and something I'll never forget.”

Recognised for his powerful running and hard tackling, Laulilii is one of a lengthening list of classy rookies on the club’s books. Already committed to a development contract next season, on Friday he’ll share the spotlight with centre Josh Feledy.

“We met during pre-season and have since developed a tight friendship. So to debut alongside him is pretty cool, and it will give me some comfort knowing he will be there.”

But it’s those less concerned about his well being that has Laulilii just as excited.

“I’ve grown up watching Daly Cherry-Evans and Jake Trbojevic. To be out there with them is a dream come true, and I can't wait for the game to come, that’s for sure.”

In a massive round for new faces, Laulilii is one of many set to make their NRL debut.