Nicoll-Klokstad has become one of the NRL's leading fullback metre eaters since moving to Canberra at the start of 2019.

While his young family initially came across with him from Auckland, they've now returned across the Tasman.

Nicoll-Klokstad's living with teammate and fellow Kiwis international Jordan Rapana and his young family.

The 25-year-old would no doubt be excited by the prospect of the international borders opening up between Australia and New Zealand, potentially as early as next month.

But for now, he's in Canberra making the most of his football career so he can provide as best as he can for Kyrie and Rio.

"They're my why, they're the reason why I play the game. For me it's about stepping back and looking at the bigger picture," Nicoll-Klokstad said.

"Playing rugby league offers me opportunities that most other careers can't.

"It's just about doing what I can do here, utilising the skill that God's given me and making sure that benefits my kids as much as possible."

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That doesn't make it any easier for him to be apart from them. Or them from him.

He managed to get back to New Zealand at the end of last season for a visit and to spend time with his extended family.

The popular Raider had to spend two weeks in hotel quarantine in Auckland to make that happen.

But the possibility of a trans Tasman travel bubble opens the door for some visits, especially with the Raiders scheduled to play the New Zealand Warriors in Auckland in August.

"My boys are back home with their mum. I'm obviously over here," Nicoll-Klokstad said.

"Hopefully this COVID stuff gets sorted out so they can start coming over and visiting, and vice versa. But at the moment it's just me over here.

"It's tough. For me being a dad is the best thing that's ever happened to me, even with all the achievements that I've achieved in rugby league.

"It'll never go close to what they bring into my life.

"It's hard not being a dad, only contributing to being a dad at the most minimum aspect in terms of communication and sending them stuff here and there.

"It's tough. I know my kids miss me and I miss them."

Despite the distance from his kids, Nicoll-Klokstad's had a strong start to the season as the Raiders prepare for a wet clash with the Cronulla Sharks at Kogarah Park on Sunday.

He scored a try in the season-opening win over the Wests Tigers last weekend, running for 205 metres and making a tackle bust.

The Raiders custodian has hit the season running after playing for the Maori All Stars a month ago.

It was an opportunity for Nicoll-Klokstad to represent his Maori culture, having already represented his Cook Islands heritage.

That's where he first met Rapana - and interestingly Raiders recruitment guru Pete Mulholland commentated that Cook Islands-Tonga Test.

"That was really special for me. It was the first time that I was able to represent my Maori heritage and culture," Nicoll-Klokstad said.

"Growing up my little brother used to represent them and I used to represent the Cook Islands for my old lady.

"It was nice to be able to put the shoe on the other foot and represent my Dad and our culture. That week was a full week of passion, a lot of heritage and a lot of love."

NRL ROUND TWO

Sunday: Canberra Raiders v Cronulla Sharks at Kogarah Park, 6.15pm.

Raiders squad: 1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, 2. Bailey Simonsson, 3. Sebastian Kris, 4. Curtis Scott, 5. Jordan Rapana, 6. Jack Wighton, 7. George Williams, 8. Josh Papalii, 9. Josh Hodgson (c), 10. Dunamis Lui, 11. Hudson Young, 12. Elliott Whitehead, 13. Joe Tapine. Interchange: 14. Siliva Havili, 15. Ryan Sutton, 16. Sia Soliola, 17. Ryan James. Reserves: 18. Sam Williams, 19. Tom Starling, 20. Emre Guler, 21. Harley Smith-Shields.

Sharks squad: 1. Will Kennedy, 2. Sione Katoa, 3. Josh Dugan, 4. Mawene Hiroti, 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo, 6. Matt Moylan, 7. Chad Townsend, 8. Braden Hamlin-Uele, 9. Blayke Brailey, 10. Aaron Woods, 11. Briton Nikora, 12. Wade Graham, 13. Toby Rudolf. Interchange: 14. Connor Tracey, 15. Aiden Tolman, 16. Jack Williams, 17. Billy Magoulias. Reserves: 18. Nene Macdonald, 19. Teig Wilton, 20. Andrew Fifita, 21. Braydon Trindall.