Having breezed over the NRL trial squads named for this weekend's action, a couple #KiwiNRL names popped up as funky inclusions for whatever reason. May this serve as a resource on where different #KiwiNRL lads are lurking, although one should remember that many of these lads aren't actually in their club's top-30.

The first week of trials usually involves super-fringey NRL lads, so this is a nice exercise to highlight this level of players and their #KiwiNRL funk. I'm not listing every #KiwiNRL player as I would do for NRL footy, merely highlight movement between clubs and any names I find notable.

Parramatta Eels vs South Sydney Rabbitohs

Haze Dunster

Outside back from Rotorua, listed in Eels top-30.

Makahesi Makatoa

Middle forward from New Plymouth. Marist Dragons junior, recruited by Bulldogs, then moved to Canberra Raiders before playing for Featherstone Rovers in 2019. Cook Island international, back in the NRL mix. Not in Eels top-30.

🎥 | #MAKACAM

We feel like the world should see the great camera work that @MakahesiMakatoa produced on Sunday!

As he said, capturing the look of happy fans! pic.twitter.com/iib9z8EffE
— Featherstone Rovers (@FevRoversRLFC) September 3, 2019

Steven Marsters

Signed by Rabbitohs after rising through the Dragons ranks, Steven is cousins with Esan Marsters and is shaping up as a centre as well. Decorated junior, cracking all sorts of Aotearoa age group teams and Cook Islands international squad last year.

Gold Coast Titans vs Burleigh Bears

Full #KiwiNRL youngin' crew on deck for the Titans; Greg Leleisiuao, Erin Clarke, Kea Pere and Darius Farmer. All are contracted to Titans, Pere is on a development contract.

Brisbane Broncos vs Wynnum Manly Seagulls

Pride Petterson-Robati

Upper Hutt Tigers junior Petterson-Robati was recruited out of Wellington by Melbourne Storm, then had a stint with the Knights and came back into the NRL mix last year with Norths Devils. Middle forward on development contract with Broncos.

We caught up with Pride Petterson-Robati to chat about his season with the Devils so far and his Rugby League Journey

Cole Waaka

Having been a trooper for Northcoe Tigers and Aotearoa Warriors reserves, Waaka's moved across the ditch to link up with Souths Logan Magpies. Souths Logan is affiliated with the Broncos and while Waaka's not in the Broncos top-30 or on a development contract, he was named in the Broncos trial squad last weekend and backs it up for another time.

He's a Warrior by day, and a warrior by night. Cole Waaka is a member of the NZ Defence Force and currently serves with the air force. But the 22-year-old is...

Melbourne Storm vs Aotearoa Warriors

Judda Turahui

Have already spun plenty of yarns about Taranaki's Turahui and have a feeling I'll be spinning more yarns in 2020.

"I was so proud to represent my family and my culture wearing this jersey."

A feel good chat with rookie Judda Turahui after last night's game. pic.twitter.com/IqlnPsgZII
— Melbourne Storm (@storm) February 15, 2020

Jay Natapu

While signed to Storm and at Takapuna Grammar School, Natapu had a bit of a storm floating around him about some accommodation/caregiver stuff last year. Natapu was a decorated rugby union player with North Harbour Rugby.

Newcastle Knights vs St George Illawara Dragons

Full #KiwiNRL youngins' crew on deck for the Knights with Starford To'a, Mason Lino, Simi Sasagi and Jirah Momoisea shaping up again.

Cronulla Sharks vs Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs

Vito Tevaga

Coming out of Marcellin College and Richmond Rovers, Tevaga was recruited by the Sharks and has moved through their ranks swiftly. In 2018, Tevaga represented Toa Samoa Under 18 and last year Tevaga started at centre for the Under 19 Junior Kiwis.

vito tevaga a true champion

Penrith Panthers vs Wests Tigers

Caleb Aekins

The Northland product has tasted a splash of NRL footy and with Dylan Edwards now out for a few months, Aekins has a chance to seal fullback game time.

Etuale Lui

Otahuhu Leopards junior Lui made the move from the Eels to Tigers over the summer and his size/mobility combination could have low key value for the Tigers. Lui turned out for the U19 Junior Kiwis last year and right now sits outside the Tigers top-30 - most likely on a train/trial deal or reserve grade.

Joseph Taipari

Another low key #KiwiNRL mover is Joseph Taipari, who was also with the Eels before linking up with the Tigers for 2020. A Halswell Hornets junior in Christchurch, Taipari appears to be in a similar situation to Lui and will bolster the Tigers halves depth.

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Brisbane Broncos vs North Queensland Cowboys

Connelly Lemuelu, Peter Hola, Emry Pere and Daejarn Asi all on deck for the Cowboys. I've plucked two rep teams out of the history books to help list #KiwiNRL lads.

Named in this week's trials/All Stars from the 2017 Aotearoa Under 18 team...

Hayze Perham (Warriors), Jaxson Paulo (Rabbitohs), Paul Turner (Warriors), Jordan Riki (Broncos), Darius Farmer (Titans), Tyler Slade (Warriors), Joseph Taipari (Tigers), Peter Hola (Cowboys), Phillip Makatoa (Warriors), Steven Marsters (Rabbitohs).

From the 2019 Under 19 Junior Kiwis...

Starford To'a (Knights), Asu Kepaoa (Roosters), Vito Tevaga (Sharks), Selestino Ravutaumada (Warriors), Paul Turner (Warriors), Etuale Lui (Tigers), Tyler Slade (Warriors), Jordan Riki (Broncos), Temple Kalepo (Warriors), Isaiah Vagana (Warriors).

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Peace and love 27.