Brent Kite's transition to the front row may prove to be the making of his rugby league career.

A Canberra junior, Kite was earmarked for big things at the Raiders - but he had to wait until he joined St George Illawarra to make his first grade debut.

Kite played in the Dragons' opening game of the 2002 season and quickly became a fixture in the St George Illawarra pack.

A back rower with size and strength, he was switched to prop by coach Nathan Brown at the start of the 2004 season to devastating effect.

So impressive was his form, Kite was selected in the NSW side for the opening State of Origin game. He remained there for the entire series.

In the process he became one of the most coveted players on the open market and Manly beat off a host of rival clubs to lure him to the northern beaches on a four year deal.

Kite was again prominent as the Sea Eagles qualified for the finals in 2005, although he was unable to recapture his place in Origin.

He did, however, regain his Origin jersey in 2006, playing the opening two games of the series. Kite - a mobile forward with size and strength - looks set for a long stint in first grade and representative football.