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Cronulla Sharks star Kayal Iro has revealed he has decided to officially change his name to KL Iro in honour of his famous father.
Speaking ahead of Magic Round this weekend in Brisbane, the 25-year-old confirmed it was something he always wanted to do, with KL the initials of his dad Kevin Leslie Iro, who was a hard-running centre for New Zealand.
The Cook Islands international returns from a hamstring injury against the Eels on Friday night at Suncorp Stadium and hopes the change will make it easier for people to correctly pronounce his name.
‘When I was a baby, KL was originally my first name. But my mum wouldn’t let me leave the hospital until we changed it, so she changed the spelling of it,’ Iro said.
‘All my life, my dad would write KLÂ .. When I moved over here (Australia), my dad always wanted me to change it, but I’ve just been too shy to bring it up.
‘I feel like it’s just easier to see and easier for people to pronounce.
Cronulla Sharks star centre Kayal Iro (pictured with partner Maddy Bryce) has revealed why he will now go by his unofficial birth name, KL Iro
Speaking ahead of Magic Round in Brisbane, the 25-year-old confirmed it was something he always wanted to do
KL are the initials of his famous father Kevin Leslie Iro (pictured left with his son) who was a hard-running centre who represented New Zealand at his peak
‘It’s just KL – that’s how it’s pronounced. It’s probably just more memorable, too.
‘People will know me by my proper name.’
Iro made his first grade debut in 2022 with the Sharks and quickly developed a reputation as a player on the rise.
He was Cronulla’s 2024 Rookie of the Year and appears destined for a lengthy NRL career – he also started the season in ominous form, scoring five tries in four games.
His father played for Wigan, Leeds and St Helens in the English Super League – and such was his talent, Iro is considered a club great at all three clubs.
He also played in the ARL for the Sea Eagles and in the Super League for the Hunter Mariners.
In 1998, Iro was on the books of the Warriors before finishing his footy career with Saints in 2001.
Across 352 professional games, Iro scored 178 tries in what was a decorated career.
He is also the younger brother of fellow Kiwi rugby league international Tony Iro.
