Educated at St Edward's College in his hometown of Gosford on the Central Coast,[citation needed] Kirk played Jim Beam Cup for The Ourimbah Magies was picked up to play SG Ball and lower grades for the Newcastle Knights.

Instead Kirk played in the NSWRL Premier League under coach Ivan Cleary, and was eventually made captain of the side.

The Jets made the grand final however Kirk was stretchered off in the first half after tearing ligaments in his knee scoring a try.

However his pre-season was disrupted by his injury and he again played in the NSWRL Premier League, this time for the Auckland Lions.

However he was immediately dropped and did not play first grade again until round eleven, this time filling in for the injured Manu Vatuvei on the wing.