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HE is the NRL young gun who once lived in a car. But Jordan Kahu's rugby league future has hit top gear with the boom utility signing an upgraded deal with the Broncos.
The courage of Kahu, who has fought back from two knee reconstructions, cannot be questioned.
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On Friday night, he returns to the Broncos line-up at Suncorp Stadium, where he will take on the Eels with a metal plate and five screws in the left hand he broke against Cronulla five weeks ago.
But the Broncos have rewarded Kahu for his persistence, delivering a two-year contract that will keep the 22-year-old at Red Hill until the end of 2015.
For Kahu, who was being pursued by the Sharks, the deal also represents security - a far cry from the days when his family slept in a car as he chased his NRL dream.
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In 2008, unable to break into New Zealand's rugby ranks, Kahu, his older brother Jared and father Dave bought a one-way ticket to Australia.
Without a home, Dave purchased a light-blue Mitsubishi Magna. For a week, it doubled as a roof over their heads, a period Kahu fondly recalls for instilling the toughness that has underpinned his rise at the Broncos.
"It didn't bother us sleeping in a car, as long as we were together we were happy," Kahu said.
"When we got here, we had nowhere to stay, so we would crash by the beach and wake up and go for a swim.
"It wasn't as bad as it sounds. It was quite fun. When we flew here, we didn't know anyone, so we didn't care where we stayed.
"What I've gone through the past few years, especially with my knees, has taught me a lot about patience, dedication and hard work.
"That hard work has paid off now. I guess what doesn't kill you makes you stronger."
And calmer. For most of the season, Kahu has been in limbo as a free agent for 2014, but has managed to hold his nerve.
Last month, the talented fullback, winger or centre signed off on a two-year deal after making his NRL debut against the Storm in March.
"I have a lot to repay the Broncos for looking after me the last three or four years," said Kahu, who plays his ninth NRL game Friday night.
"They have done a lot for me and my family and I was keen to stay. I didn't want to go anywhere else.
"I did have a bit of interest, but I didn't talk much with any other clubs, I just waited until the Broncos offered me something.
"I didn't want to quit, I love it here and seeing as I'm playing at the moment I didn't have any excuse to leave.
"I'm happy to be a Bronco and happy to be one for the next few years."
With Justin Hodges sidelined for an extended period, Kahu believes he can be an important backline contributor on Brisbane's right side.
"It is a loss with 'Hodgie' out and the rest of the team will have to step up and make up for him being injured," he said.
"I don't mind the wing because you score more tries. Confidence-wise I am fine. The hand feels good again and I'm ready to go."
Broncos coach Anthony Griffin lauded Kahu's development amid adversity.
"He's a good kid," he said.
"He's done a great job for us, it's just great to see him back. Every time he has pulled on a jersey whether it would be wing or centre, he's done a really good job for us."
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