While the present is going soundly for NZ Warriors, the future looks just as bright, if rising prospect Ali Leiataua is anything to go by.
At just 20 years of age, Leiataua made his first-grade debut for the Warriors in round 15 and didn't look out of place for a second, playing at centre in a 36-14 victory over Canberra Raiders.
Leiataua's debut came after an outstanding run of form for the Warriors reserve grade side in the NSW Cup. In 13 appearances, the youngster scored nine tries, created six more and broke 51 tackles, to go with 173 tackles made on defence.
A hamstring injury - a grade three tendon tear - has seen Leiataua sidelined ever since, while incumbents Adam Pompey and Rocco Berry have gone from strength to strength for a Warriors side comfortably placed in the NRL's top four.
While a return looms for Leiataua, likely in NSW Cup, the highs of what he's already achieved this season stand at the front of his mind.
"Honestly, talking to some of the boys at the start of the year in pre-season, my goal for the year was just to make the New South Wales Cup side, but I was lucky enough to get my NRL debut," Leiataua told Newshub.
"Just mixing and mingling with the boys at training, training with them every day, even the young boys, it's moulded me pretty well to be prepped for each and every game.
"I remember everything, from the day I got told, from the first two trainings throughout the week, the flight, the build-up, the bus, all the presentations, I remember it like it was yesterday.
"It was a dream come true."
Leiataua might seem familiar to Warriors fans - and for good reason. As both the nephew and namesake of former club centurion Ali Lauitiiti, he is as close to Warriors royalty as they come.
With such a strong rugby league presence around him, it's only natural for Leaiataua to lean on his uncle, as he looks to break through himself.
"He moved back to New Zealand, after being in England for quite some time, in 2016," he said. "I see him almost every day or at least twice a week.
"His parents - my grandparents - we live at home together, so he's always over visiting. He's been a big part of my development, where I am today, with tips from his own experiences.
"We talk about footy a fair bit and then stuff off the field. He's always having a dig at me, having his little cheeky remarks, but that's just him - he's just a funny person."
Another influence comes in the shape of coach Andrew Webster, who continues to rewrite Warriors expectations this year.
After taking over a side at its lowest ebb, he has guided the Auckland club back to the NRL contention for the first time since 2018. Webster's work with his players has been key in the 2023 revolution.
Key players at the club - including stars like Shaun Johnson, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak and Addin Fonua-Blake - are enjoying career-best seasons under the rookie coach, but that duty of care from Webster extends all the way to those yet to become first-grade regulars.
"I reckon he's my No.1, so far," Leiataua said of Webster. "When I first met him in pre-season, he sat me down in his office.
"He's a real people person, he wants to get to know you as a person, outside of footy.
"We really dove into my personal life. He's always checking up on you.
"What he's brought into the club this year, it's a whole different feeling to last year, being based in Australia.
"It's a better culture, it's a better vibe around the club. It's a winning culture as well - it's been good."
With four weeks remaining in the NRL regular season and still to return from that hamstring issue, Leiataua faces a fight to break back into first grade again.
The form of Pompey and Berry might make that too tall an ask, but Leiataua has no issue biding his time in the NSW Cup.
Next year, that picture changes significantly.
Should Leiataua hope to secure a starting centre spot, he'll also have to get past the returning Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who will shift away from fullback, when he rejoins the club.
Even with such a fight on his hands, he is first and foremost looking to rub shoulders with the former Dally M Medal winner.
With no shortage of quality options in the centres, Leiataua will hopefully be part of a headache for Webster come next season.
"Roger coming back means there's going to be a lot more competition, but it also means I can learn from someone like Roger, who's an experienced player.
"Even from Adam and Rocco, building relationships with them, taking in what they know and what's gotten them to where they are right now, and what I can pick up in my game to help me get a start in the first-grade team or get more games under my belt...
"Hopefully I just get a good pre-season in, do the hard yards, [and] if I get my spot - take it with both hands."
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