‘He kills it’: Lyhkan King-Togia relishing his NRL return after magical moments in Brisbane

The Dragons may have found their long-term solution at halfback after Lyhkan King-Togia produced the magic they’ve been missing in attack.

Young gun Lyhkan King-Togia has received rave reviews from his Dragons teammates after an eye-catching performance at Magic Round where he provided an instant spark to their attack that they’ve been missing this year.

King-Togia turns 20 next week but played like a man with years of experience under his belt as he took his chances against the Wests Tigers and set up two tries in his first start at halfback in the NRL.

His promotion to the first grade side was inevitable after setting up nine tries in reserve grade, while Lachlan Ilias had managed just four assists to start the season as he worked his way back from a horror leg injury.

Lyhkan King-Togia got his chance last year but wants to own the No.7 jersey after a strong showing at Magic Round. Picture: Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images

“I thought Lyhkan did a really good job,” representative centre Valentine Holmes said.

“He only had the preparation of one week and I thought he did well. He listened to what the attacking coaches asked him to do, he set up a couple of tries and defended really well.

“It’s a big step up from NSW Cup to the NRL – and it’s not only NRL but Magic Round on the big stage.

“We all know what a talent he is and the ball-playing skills that he has. Most young halves these days are silky, but it’s usually the defensive side of things where you need to be really good at because if teams see a young half, they’ll send traffic their way.

“It’s about being solid defensively, and I think he was sound.”

King-Togia played four games last season and is a big part of the club’s future after signing a new deal last week, and he showed he’s ready to be their halfback now.

King-Togia is seen as the future of the club. Picture: NRL Images

“It was good fun to get back out with the boys in Queensland where I’m from,” he said.

“It doesn’t feel too different (having the seven on my back). It was kind of the same thing with the games last year where I just wanted to go out and have fun.

“Flanno (coach Shane Flanagan) just wants me to go out and have fun, and I feel that’s when I’m at my best when I’m having fun.

“If I’m consistent and just worry about my part in the team then the rest will take care of itself.

“I’m grateful to be anywhere in the team. It was a big goal to get in the team and I’d play anywhere and do the best for the boys.”

It was a rough start to the year for the emerging talent who broke his jaw before the first trial game which meant he couldn’t get valuable minutes under his belt.

But he’s back now and ready to take on the Warriors this weekend, with King-Togia born in Auckland and idolising their former halfback Shaun Johnson.

Lachlan Ilias has a battle on his hands to get back in the NRL side. Picture: NRL Photos

He’s not fussed about the chat around who should start in the halves going forward, with Ilias also performing well in a big win in NSW Cup last week.

“He knows what he’s got to do, and I’m sure he’ll do the best he can to get back,” King-Togia said.

“If he’s back then it’s good for the boys.”

After showing he can handle the big stage at Suncorp Stadium, King-Togia now gets the chance to shine in familiar surroundings in Wollongong where he feels at home.

“He kills it in Cup and he’s so nonchalant,” winger Corey Allan said.

“He’s your typical backyard footy player but he knows how to read the game. He sticks to the game plan, but when he needs to, he turns it on. That’s the most dangerous thing about him.”

Originally published as ‘He kills it’: Lyhkan King-Togia relishing his NRL return after magical moments in Brisbane