Much of the talk around the Wellington Castlereagh All Blacks ahead of this weekend's opening round of the Tribal League has been on the number of big-name players in the squad.
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Tyrell Fuimaono is one of those but the St George Illawarra enforcer thinks it may not be the NRL players in the squad who do the damage at Apex Oval.
Fuimaono is set to miss Saturday's opening matches after a calf strain at training earlier this week but the likes of Cronulla trio Jesse Ramien, Will Kennedy, and Brayden Trindall are all expected to line up.
Each of the eight sides involved in the league, created to provide an opportunity to play after COVID-19 forced the abandonment of the annual Koori Knockout, will feature players who have played at the highest level.
But it's some of the local players and those combinations developed in competitions like Group 11, that Fuimaono is keen to see.
"We're pretty broad. There's a few NRL in there but there's a lot of quality players from around here," he said.
"A lot of talk has been about the names but we have consistent footy players from teams like the (Wellington) Cowboys and I'm excited to see how they gel."
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The Tribal League is something of an unknown for all involved and Fuimaono said it was disappointing he wouldn't get to line up at Dubbo after a calf strain.
He hopes to be back for the second round of matches on the Central Coast so he can line up alongside players he's become close with in recent weeks.
"At Sydney three or four weeks ago we came together for a training camp but it was also bonding," he said.
"We all went to the grand final together so it's not just football, we're good mates.
"It brings you together, like the Knockout."
Fuimaono was speaking while visiting a number of schools in Wellington along with the All Blacks' other NRL representatives.
As well as sharing rugby league tips, the players also took part NAIDOC celebrations and spoke to students about how they are connected to the country and their culture as part of this year's theme of Always Was, Always Will Be.
"This year we couldn't do as much community stuff but it's been a really good day," he said.
"The kids see it and they love it. We play some footy-related games and have a run around then sit around and have a yarn.
"They all love it but we do as well."
He gave plenty of credit to the Wellington Aboriginal Health Corporation Service for bringing the NRL players out west for the experience, not only this week but previous times in recent years.
Tribal League action at Apex Oval starts with the welcome ceremony at 9.30am before the first of 10 matches on the day at 10am.
The All Blacks' first match is a western area derby against the Wiradjuri Googars at 12.30pm.