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.

9Brandon Smith (Sydney Roosters)

NRL Pre-Season - Roosters v Sea Eagles
GOSFORD, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 17: Brandon Smith of the Roosters runs with the ball during the NRL Trial Match between the Sydney Roosters and the Manly Sea Eagles at Central Coast Stadium on February 17, 2023 in Gosford, Australia. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)

In the exact same scenario as Dolphins hooker Jeremy Marshall-King, Brandon Smith would have been one of the first players selected by Michael Maguire if he wasn't unavailable for selection due to injury.

While it took some time for him to get going and solidify consistent performances in the Roosters jersey, playing in the NRL finals saw him take his ability and skill to the next level - an aspect the Roosters will be hoping to see him in, week in, week out.

Smith's versatility is incredibly useful to the New Zealand Kiwis as he not only plays in the number nine jumper but can also be used in the second row and as a lock forward - two positions where he mainly played for the Storm due to the emergence of Harry Grant.

Smith recently opened up on the difference between playing in Melbourne compared to Sydney. Melbourne is predominantly known as an AFL state, whilst Sydney is more known for rugby league.

"I completely underestimated it. I didn't realise that every paper, every week, Roosters are in there and there's big write-ups. The scrutiny was a lot bigger..." Smith recounted on Sporting News.

Previous International Caps: 12 (2018-22)