Gold Coast winger Alofiana Khan-Pereira continues to fire in his second season in the NRL and is on track to equal a 62-year record with one more try in his next match.
Khan-Pereira scored his fifth career double in the Gold Coast’s important come-from-behind win against the Dolphins last round, crossing for his 19th of the season to sit alone at the top of the try scoring tally for now.
In total, he has so far scored 39 tries from 38 appearances, and if he can find the line again this week against the Broncos, it will see him draw equal with Dragons flyer Johnny King who scored 40 tries before his 40th appearance back in 1962.
According to rugby league historian and statistician David Middleton, only five other players have been able to achieve this previously: Reg Gasnier scored 48 in his first 39 games for St George (1961), Ian Moir (South Sydney) 42 from 39 (1954), Ron Roberts (St George) 42 from 39 (1951), Bobby Lulham (Balmain) 48 from 39 (1949) and Harold Horder (South Sydney) scored 43 from 39 (1916).
Alofiana Khan-Pereira 1st Try
For Khan-Pereira, one more try will also see him break his own record he set last year in his debut season for the most scored in a season for the Titans, with the winger giving praise to his teammates for helping him get over the line.
“The boys are good for me to come up with those tries, so all praise to them,” Khan-Pereira said.
“(But) if I get that opportunity five metres or even two metres out, I can create that space for myself and execute those tries for myself.”
Beyond any personal milestones, the upcoming match up against local rivals Brisbane is shaping as a crucial one for both sides, with Khan-Pereira optimistic his team can make a push for finals.
“Yes, 100 percent we can, we had our back-to-back winning streak a few weeks ago, (but against Manly), we didn't perform our best and coming into this (game against the Dolphins), we wanted to show that we can still be a top eight team,” Khan-Pereira said.
“I definitely have that confidence for that.
“I'm so keen for the game against the Broncos as well. It’s a Queensland derby, those are the boys down the street that you want to verse, you don't want to fly anywhere else.
“It's almost like backyard footy with those boys.
“Last time, we got the dub, that was a massive confidence boost as well.
“That set us up and we're all ready for it next week.”
Alofiana Khan-Pereira 2nd Try
While the race for the finals is one thing, with the Olympic spirit in the air, the Titans youngster said he’d love the chance to test his speed -which has been the crucial weapon in his try-scoring - against the fastest in the NRL.
“I'm not sure (who is the fastest), but I’d love to have a race with some of the fastest boys who are up there; [Jason] Saab, Hammer [Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow],” Khan-Pereira said.
“I’d love to (have a race) if the NRL set one up; I’d be keen for it.”
Match: Titans v Broncos
Round 22 -
home Team
Titans
13th Position
away Team
Broncos
12th Position
Venue: Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast
