Jordan Kahu explains Broncos departure, Cowboys goal

North Queensland recruit Jordan Kahu felt it was time to move on from Brisbane after a star-studded backline forced him out, revealing, “I didn’t really fit in the team.”

New recruit Jordan Kahu has hit the ground running in North Queensland. Picture: Cowboys Media

• Cowboys rope in Kahu as Barba replacement
• Taumalolo wants to follow in Thurston’s footsteps

North Queensland recruit Jordan Kahu has admitted he’ll be eyeing off the permanent fullback spot for his new side.

The former Brisbane Bronco trained with his new teammates at 1300Smiles Stadium on Tuesday morning after signing a one-year deal with the Cowboys at the weekend.

The 184-centimetre New Zealand Test International arrived in Townsville on Sunday night and was straight into training Monday morning.

He said he felt it was time to move on from Broncos after a star-studded backline forced him out of a permanent position.

“I’ve been around long enough where I kind of knew I didn’t really fit in the (Broncos) team,” he said.

New recruit Jordan Kahu has hit the ground running in North Queensland. Picture: Cowboys Media

“I want to play NRL obviously and I didn’t see that opportunity at the Broncos unless there was an injury. I wasn’t willing to wait around. I knew I was good enough to play NRL week in, week out. Obviously when I got the feeling I wasn’t going to play, I started looking elsewhere.

“(My goal for the year) is just to play NRL. Lock down a spot and excel in that wherever I play.”

The 28-year-old played 95 games for the Broncos over six seasons and he said he was disappointed not to be able to reach the 100 games for one club.

“I was a bit disappointed not to (reach the 100 games),” he said.

“I broke my jaw in round two last year, against the Cowboys too, so I would’ve cracked the 100 last year. I’m proud of myself for making it this far after all the injuries and adversities I’ve faced over the years. 95 games, though it doesn’t seem like a lot, I’m proud of myself for getting this far. Hopefully I get to tick the 100 games off this year.”

The versatile back was spotted training at fullback on Tuesday alongside wingers Kyle Feldt and Nene Macdonald.

.@JordanKahu training at fullback for the @nthqldcowboys this morning after signing a 1yr deal with the club @cmail_sport @tsv_bulletin pic.twitter.com/63VOvK3i8Y

— Chris Honnery (@cjhonnery) February 18, 2019

Kahu admitted there was no guarantee he would be wearing the No. 1 jersey though.

“I’m keen to play fullback but I’m going to have to work for my spot here,” he said.

“The boys have been slugging it out all preseason and I’ve just rocked up so I’ll be working hard for it.”

Cowboys prop Corey Jensen said he was looking forward to playing with the versatile back.

“He’s fitting in really well,” he said.

“He’s an ultimate professional. We’ve seen what he can do when he’s playing for Brisbane. He can play in numerous positions so to have him here is just going to bolster the squad even more and I can’t wait to see how he goes.”

Originally published as Jordan Kahu explains Broncos departure, Cowboys goal