After whipping up an updated #KiwiNRL Encyclopedia ahead of the 2018 NRL season, it's time to zone in on Aotearoa Warriors. This is in the same style of the broad #KiwiNRL Encyclopedia, but with a little extra spice and is solely based off of the players listed as part of the Warriors NRL squad on their website. There will likely be other players who pop up, which will all be covered in Diary Of An Aotearoa Warriors Fan when the time is right.

Here's the backs, forwards will be delivered in the nek few days.

Roger Tuivasa-Sheck

Auckland, Otahuhu College, Kiwis rep.

Captain of the club as a young Samoan man, Roger is the face of the Warriors and leader of the low key code-hoppers who switched codes at school without fuss.

Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad

Auckland, Mt Albert Lions/Richmod Rovers, Cook Islands rep.

Spent time with Melbourne Storm as a junior and will be sniffing around for a starting wing spot, likely to be the 'next up' option though.

David Fusitua

Auckland, Marist Saints, Tonga/Kiwis rep.

Dabbled in AFL as a youngster, dabbled in union for Kelston Boys as a low key code-hopping monster and dabbles in being the best winger at the club.

Hayze Perham

Rotorua, Rotorua Boys High.

Left Rotorua to spend some time with Penrith Panthers, slid back to Vegas and then linked up with the Warriors having been a 1st XV gun and a NZ U18 league rep.

Gerard Beale

Brisbane, Kiwis rep.

If you're related to Zinzan Brooke (and Robin), you're pretty cool and after time with Brisbane Broncos, St George Dragons and Cronulla Sharks, Beale comes to the Warriors where he could start at either centre or wing.

Ken Maumalo 

Auckland, Papatoetoe Panthers, Samoa rep.

Having got familiar with Maumalo last season, there's a fair possibility that Maumalo is going to struggle to hold on to his wing spot with a gang of new arrivals.

Solomone Kata

Tonga, Sacred Heart College (Auckland), Tonga rep.

Kata has also settled into the Warriors starting side, in 2018 though he has a lot of competition for his left centre spot.

Lewis Soosemea 

Auckland, Papatoetoe Panthers/Mangere East Hawks.

The young buck wing prospect.

Junior Pauga 

Auckland, Glenora Bears/Kelston Boys.

The young buck centre prospect.

Peta Hiku 

Gisborne, Manurewa Marlins, Kiwis rep.

Coming back to Mt Smart after stints with Manly Sea Eagles and Penrith Panthers, where Hiku gets NRL minutes will be one of the more intriguing narratives to start the season.

Ata Hingano 

Auckland, Pakuranga Jaguars, Tonga rep.

Hingano's development in reserve grade will demand attention and he's probably the only Pakuranga junior in an NRL squad.

Shaun Johnson 

Orewa, Hibiscus Coast Raiders, Kiwis rep.

I hope with all the new recruits and a new vibe around the Warriors, Johnson can slip into the background and contribute without the hectic weight of expectation on him.

Mason Lino

Auckland, Marist Saints, Samoa rep.

Now sliding into OG clubman status, doing a job for the reserves each week and plugging halves-hole in the NRL when required.

Sam Cook 

Auckland, Northcote Tigers.

Unlikely to taste much NRL footy, Cook can also cover hooker and is a solid reserve grade battler.

Chanel Harris-Tavita

Auckland, Mt Wellington Warriors/Howick Hornets.

The young buck halves prospect who will be hoping to crack more reserve grade opportunities this season and level up.

Shout out to the dingoes; Blake Green, Blake Ayshford and Zac Santo.

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Peace and love 27.