Curtis was raised in Melton, Victoria, to a mother from Tonga (representing the country in netball at the Commonwealth Games) and an Australian father.
[1] Curtis attended Maribyrnong College as part of their selective sports academy.
He began playing for Melton South Junior Football Club before going on to play for the Western Jets in the NAB League as a small forward where he stood out catching the interest of recruiters from multiple AFL clubs.
[2] However prior to the draft, Curtis contracted COVID-19, resulting in his planned interviews with several clubs being placed on hold.
[3] In Round 18, 2022, Curtis kicked a career-high 3 goals and had 14 disposals in an upset win against the Tigers at Marvel Stadium.