The first round of NRL footy for 2021 served as a delightful reminder that Aotearoa Kiwis rugby league is wiggling into an exciting few months ahead of the Rugby League World Cup later this year. I've been intrigued to note that the #KiwiNRL takeover is washing over the various junior competitions and reserve grades in New South Wales and Queensland, however in a World Cup year (after the nightmare of 2017) we have to put a focus on the top-tier Kiwis talent.

Take Roger Tuivasa-Sheck for example, who may be keen to round off his rugby league career with a big ol' World Cup stint. The only World Cup mentioned with the news of Tuivasa-Sheck's future plans was the 2023 Rugby World Cup and I'd suggest that the vibe of that 2017 World Cup for the Kiwis would have a few players eager to flip that around. Here's where we peep through the fog though...

Jamayne Isaako started at fullback for Brisbane Broncos in their loss to Parramatta Eels. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad took up his regular fullback spot for Canberra Raiders in their win over Wests Tigers.

Jamayne Isaako: 15 runs for 97m @ 6.46m/run, 5 tackle busts, 2 offloads, 27 passes.

Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad: 19 runs for 210m @ 11.05m/run, 2 tackle busts, 4 passes.

Roger Tuivasa-Sheck: 19 runs for 174m @ 9.15m/run, 3 tackle busts, 1 offload, 17 passes.

Christchurch's Isaako is likely to be given time to settle into his fullback role with the Broncos, giving Aotearoa three starting fullbacks to roll with. Whether the doosra is Tuivasa-Sheck opting to skip the World Cup or the fair chance that an injury strikes on of these three, there are options available and such depth is not a luxury the Kiwis have enjoyed. The halves spots serve up the same joy...

Round one saw Wellington's Jahrome Hughes starting for Melbourne Storm, against Benji Marshall - who came off the bench for the Rabbitohs. Whangarei's Dylan Brown was in the halves for Parramatta Eels, then Aotearoa Warriors had Kodi Nikorima and Chanel Harris-Tavita in their starting halves combination; Harris-Tavita and Brown are both solid defensive halves.

Kieran Foran has Aotearoa kaumatua status alongside Marshall and Shaun Johnson, but the Kiwis depth is such that Foran will need to be slick for Manly Sea Eagles to be selected ahead of these other halves. Foran's there though, starting in the NRL and Johnson didn't even play round one, which gives Aotearoa seven starting halves in the NRL when they are all fit and healthy.

Gone are the days of Tohu Harris as a Kiwis half.

Marshall's work with the Bunnies is notable here because he came off the bench and played 49 minutes straight, coinciding with a Rabbitohs comeback vs Storm. Marshall played a weird role, as he spent a lot of time at first receiver in attack and would then shift out to the edge where he defended inside Adam Reynolds. Marshall was on the field at the same time as Reynolds, Cody Walker, Damien Cook and Latrell Mitchell.

Here's a couple plays featuring Marshall - all of which are from the highlights video and that means Marshall had involvement in Rabbitohs points. Marshall had 26 touches with 21 passes and just 5 runs, pointing to his role in the Rabbitohs as he's the link-man shifting the footy out wide. With Marshall at first receiver, Reynolds can hold the defence accountable on the right and then there's more opportunities for the Walker/Mitchell combo out wide on the left.

This applies to the Kiwis because Brandon Smith's going to be the starting hooker, yet there's not much dummy half depth below the Waiheke Ram. Smith casually started the season with 6 dummy half runs for 59m (basically 10m every time he scoots) and Smith has been highly influential at hooker for the Kiwis. In recent times, Nikorima has dabbled in covering Smith for Aotearoa and Hughes has come off the bench.

To start this season, kaumatua Marshall looked fabulous in a bench utility role. Marshall is tapping into a funky new role that could also add value to the Kiwis team, even if he's not considered as a starting half.

All we've heard about 2021 NRL is how fast it is and how hard it will be for the forwards battling fatigue.

Meanwhile, Tohu Harris played 80 minutes in his first game.

James Fisher-Harris played 61mins.

Jesse Bromwich played 51mins.

Nelson Asofa-Solomona played 45mins.

Joseph Tapine played 42mins.

Isaac Liu played 50mins.

The only player in this category of top-tier Kiwis forwards who didn't slot straight into their regular antics was Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, who came off the bench and played 30mins. Even players in the tier below played decent minutes as Braden Hamlin-Uele churned out 46mins for the Sharks, while Isaiah Papali'i exploded for the Eels with 56mins. The three best Aotearoa edge forwards all played 80 minutes as well; Kenny Bromwich, Jordan Riki, Briton Nikora.

Ponder this full strength (ft. Benji) Aotearoa Kiwis forward pack...

Hooker: Brandon Smith.

Middles: Jesse Bromwich, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, James Fisher-Harris.

Edges: Kenny Bromwich, Tohu Harris.

Bench: Benji Marshall, Nelson Asofa-Solomona, Joseph Tapine, Isaac Liu.

There's plenty of depth on offer as well, however I'm most intrigued by the top-tier unit for the Kiwis and how they work through the season. Most of these lads aren’t viewed as the best or most celebrated forward in their respective packs which is also beautiful as they tend to creep under the radar

Fun fact: Tohu Harris hasn't played for Aotearoa since 2016.

Peace and love.