But Canberra Raiders recruit boss Peter Mulholland saw a lot more than that. Which is why Mariota's currently training with the senior squad after being upgraded to a development contract.

Even though Mulholland wasn't initially interested Mariota. Well, he was. It was just a different Mariota. Ata's younger brother to be precise.

Mulholland went along to watch the Mounties third grade to get a glimpse of Niu, who's now with the Raiders' under-16s.

He got chatting to the brothers' dad. Who mentioned he had another son the Raiders recruitment guru might want to check out as well. So he did.

"I went to watch his brother play a third-division game in Sydney out at Crestwood and the father said, 'Well, OK, I've got two sons'," he recalled.

"I said, 'Oh yeah, where's the other one?' He said, 'He's a bit older', I'm happy to watch him play, 'Well he plays in another hour and a half'.

"I said, 'Look, I'll stay around and watch him'. And by the time that one had finished, well ... spot on, he was great."

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And that brings us to today and the powerful young prop who has found himself as part of the Green Machine's Project Apollo bubble. Training every day with the likes of Josh Papalii, Sia Soliola and Corey Horsburgh.

Had to move out of his home so he complied with the NRL's stringent coronavirus protocols though.

And he's still eligible for the under-20s, only just misses out on the under-18 SG Ball.

But with no NSW Cup, no under-20s, no other rugby league currently going on outside of the NRL, the Raiders felt it was important Mariota kept developing.

Especially since he's only been playing rugby league for about 18 months. Which is partly why he got brought in with the seniors. To keep his education going. Even though he's unlikely to make his NRL debut this season.

"It's an important opportunity because he's had limited time in our game. He's probably only played a season and a bit of rugby league," Mulholland said.

"That was through the Ball and under-20s last year. And he doesn't turn 19 until December so he only just missed out on SG Ball this year by a few days.

"He's missing out on playing football this year, which was part of his education, so to be training with the top side has given him a boost along, which has been tremendous."

Mariota reminded Mulholland of another Raiders young gun - Emre Guler. The late feet on top of the raw power.

Mariota relocated from Sydney and was able to move in with his older brother Richard. Who was playing rugby union for the Tuggeranong Vikings in the John I Dent Cup.

It helped him settle in to Canberra. While Richard's since gone home to New Zealand, Mariota's stuck around.

"His power, his leg speed, size - he's 112 kilos and he's fit. His performances in the under-20s last year were great," Mulholland said.

"He's got good late feet and plays a little bit like Emre Guler with those late feet. His need and his desire to learn [were also impressive]."

NRL ROUND SIX

July 21: Canberra Raiders v Manly Sea Eagles at Campbelltown Stadium, 4.05pm.