While it's not Matariki just yet, the stars aligned for Deine Mariner and Xavier Willison to make their first appearance of the season in Aotearoa as Brisbane Broncos defeated NZ Warriors.

The performance of Starford To'a in a hefty Tigers win over Cowboys may have surprised some folks, while others saluted one of the most dominant Aotearoa juniors in recent years.

Starting an NRL career in the rain against Roosters at Mt Smart and then facing Panthers in James Fisher-Harris' return isn't ideal for a young lad, although Otahuhu junior Demitric Sifakula's journey ensured he was well prepared for this rugged entry to NRL footy.

Anyone tracking the best youngsters rising through Australian rugby league systems in the past few years would know all about Mangere East junior Greg Marzhew.

After the Kiwi-NRL debut of Valynce Te Whare in his regular position of centre, Northcote junior Keano Kini made his debut in the Titans win over Eels, coming off the bench to play hooker.

In his second season of rugby league, Valynce 'The House' Te Whare made his Kiwi-NRL debut for Dolphins vs Sharks.

After watching the likes of Dylan Brown and Isaiah Papali'i enjoy different development boosts with Parramatta Eels, Northland's Wiremu Greig can now be added to this group.

Whether Naufahu Whyte receives a late promotion from the Roosters extended bench for Sunday's encounter with NZ Warriors or not, the Bay Roskill junior has been plugging holes in the Roosters forward pack to start 2023.