Bunnings NPC Round 1: Five Future Stars to Watch as club rugby returns to New Zealand

Every year, young players use the competition to push themselves into the spotlight, and maximise their air-time for a Super Rugby break-through. Some arrive with growing reputations, while others use the NPC to show they belong at the next level.

By the end of the season, a few of them will have completely changed the direction of their careers in pursuit of the black jersey. . Round 1 is where that journey begins. Here are five young players to keep an eye on over the opening weekend and beyond.

Noah Hotham has a point to prove. Missing out on the latest All Blacks squad for the tour of South Africa would have been disappointing, but the NPC gives him the perfect chance to respond. Still only 21, Hotham already has 43 Super Rugby appearances for the Crusaders and has earned three All Blacks Test caps since making his international debut in 2024.

His speed around the breakdown is obvious, but it’s the way he controls a game that stands out. He knows when to move the ball quickly, when to challenge defenders himself and when to slow things down. Tasman will have high expectations again this season. If Hotham plays to the level everyone knows he’s capable of, he’ll be one of the biggest reasons why.

Harry Godfrey gets the chance to take ownership. The 20-year-old has already gained valuable Super Rugby experience with the title-winning Hurricanes in a supporting role to Ruben Love, but this NPC season is about producing those performances every week. Hawke’s Bay will look to their young first five to control games, manage territory and guide the side around the park.

That’s no small responsibility. The best fly halves make the players around them better, and Godfrey now has the opportunity to show he can do exactly that. A strong campaign would only strengthen the growing belief that he has a big future ahead of him.

Maloni Kunawave is the wildcard on this list, but he’s already built an impressive résumé. Kunawave represented New Zealand Under-20, scoring four tries in the World Rugby U20 Championships, including a brace in the final, performances that helped earn him a Crusaders contract. Quick, powerful and confident with ball in hand, he has the sort of game that catches your eye straight away, and he is eager to roll this momentum on with Tasman.

The challenge now is consistency. Senior provincial rugby requires consitency to grind out the results, but if Kunawave settles quickly, don’t expect him to stay under the radar for long. This could be the season where far more people start talking about his potential, and he emerges onto Dave Rennie's radar for a maiden All Blacks senior cap. With Fijian heritage, Rennie would need to act fast if he wants to tempt the midfielder away from running out with the Flying Fijians in the Nations Championship Northern Series this November.

Jack Wiseman is only 19, but Taranaki already trust him. The New Zealand Under-20 captain has earned his opportunity after impressing at age-grade level and now gets the chance to test himself against experienced NPC back-lines. Representing New Zealand Under-20 earlier this year has only strengthened his reputation as one of the country’s brightest young prospects, as the Kiwis defeated England for bronze medals in the 2026 Championship.

Wiseman has already shown the work rate and technical ability coaches look for, and this season is another opportunity to continue his development. If he adapts quickly, don’t be surprised if his reputation grows just as fast. Whilst there is no understating how the All Blacks ranks are stacked, with the likes of Jordie Barrett and Super Rugby Player of the Year Quinn Tupaea pulling the strings, a solid season for Wiseman could result in a New Zealand XV call-up.

Cooper Roberts is another young midfielder with the opportunity to make a significant impression during the 2026 NPC season. The 21-year-old centre has already gained valuable experience after making his Super Rugby debut earlier this year, with 34 minutes under his belt in Crusaders colours, in a blockbuster New Zealand derby against would-be champions Hurricanes.

Roberts has the opportunity to demonstrate his qualities consistently across a full NPC season. The competition has regularly provided a platform for young midfielders to develop into Super Rugby regulars, and Roberts will be aiming to follow that pathway. If he can build on his early experience at the professional level, Tasman could have an exciting young centre ready to take another major step forward.