As the 2023 Pacific Championships gets underway, Zero Tackle looks at all the players who are absent from the New Zealand Kiwis squad that represented them at last year's Rugby League World Cup.

The players absent included a three-time Penrith Panthers premiership winner, a former New Zealand Kiwis captain and the reigning Dally M Winger of the Year.

7Marata Niukore (New Zealand Warriors)

Parramatta forward in talks with rival clubs
MACKAY, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 18: Dylan Edwards of the Panthers is tackled by Marata Niukore of the Eels during the NRL Semifinal match between the Penrith Panthers and the Parramatta Eels at BB Print Stadium on September 18, 2021 in Mackay, Australia. (Photo by Matt Roberts/Getty Images)

After a stellar stint with the Parramatta Eels that earned Marata Niukore several appearances for the Kiwis, he has struggled to have the same impact in the 2023 season with the New Zealand Warriors.

Despite the Warriors being 80 minutes away from the 2023 Grand Final, which would have been his second in back-to-back seasons, he was unable to stand out in the team's jumper. Addin Fonua-Blake and Tohu Harris were the main contributors from the forward pack.

Only 27 years of age, Niukore could very well find his way back into contention for a spot in the New Zealand squad. In 22 appearances during the 2023 season, he scored three tires, made 579 tackles (92.9 per cent tackle efficiency) and ran a total of 2085 metres, averaging 94 per game.

Previous International Caps: 3 (2022)