Kiwis forward Briton Nikora has opened up on the importance of ensuring his children remain connected to their New Zealand heritage while growing up in Australia.
The backrower welcomed his fourth son in July, the birth adding to an already busy family.
Amid the chaos of four boys running around in Sydney's south, Nikora is determined to ensure they are taught about their New Zealand heritage from a young age.
"It's really important they learn about culture," Nikora told NRL.com. "Growing up in New Zealand it's something I took for granted. Now I've been in Australia for so long it's not always front of mind and it's an area I can get better at.
"Teaching them about the Māori culture is a big part of our household and something I want to continue to do"
The Sharks star reconnected with his New Zealand teammates earlier this week as they look to open their Pacific Championships campaign with a bang.
The Kiwis will host Samoa at Go Media Stadium on Sunday afternoon, with both teams determined to take a big step towards booking their place in the Cup final.
Nikora was forced to miss the 2024 campaign due to an ankle injury and watched as his countrymen endured a challenging tournament. New Zealand lost to Australia and Tonga before defeating Papua New Guina to avoid relegation to the Pacific Bowl.
The edge forward is one of six players from the 2023 triumph returning to the side for Sunday's clash with Samoa and he's enjoyed reconnecting with his Kiwis teammates.
"Playing for the Kiwis and coming into camp you quickly feel like you're back home," Nikora said. "It's the same with the Māori [All Stars] every year, it's a big opportunity to connect with culture.
"It's a chance to get back into this environment and find my roots again because sometimes living in Australia you can drift away so it's a massive aspect of playing for the Kiwis."
Nikora will line up in the back row in a stacked Kiwis pack on Sunday afternoon, with James Fisher-Harris and Moses Leota to start at prop.
Joe Tapine joins them in the middle at lock, while Erin Clark, Nelson Asofa-Solomona and Naufahu Whyte will bring the impact off the bench.
Samoa have also named a talented squad, with Jahrome Luai and Blaize Talagai-Seuala to combine in the halves as the nation chases a historic maiden victory over New Zealand.
The Kiwis prevailed 50-0 when the two sides faced off in 2023, but they recognise Sunday's clash will be a much tougher affair.
Star prop Moses Leota, who also missed last year's campaign, said his side must be at their best if they are to topple Samoa this weekend.
"It's really special to play [on home soil]," Leota told reporters in Auckland. "When you land here on the land, you feel that spiritual feeling. Hopefully all the fans come out and watch the game because it should be a good one.
"[2023] was great but it's a new season, a new comp and we have to be at our best."
Kiwis forward Briton Nikora has opened up on the importance of ensuring his children remain connected to their New Zealand heritage while growing up in Australia.
www.nrl.com
