Situated halfway between Peshawar and Islamabad in north-western Pakistan, it's fair to say that the locals of Kalu Khurd have limited knowledge, or even interest, of NRL rugby league.

Drop names likes Billy Slater, Matt Bowen or Manu Vatuvei and you're going to get some pretty confused looks fired back in your direction.

Yet this small town, situated only 110km from the Afghani border, is where the remarkable first-grade journey of Omar Slaimankhel, who makes his third appearance for the Warriors against the Titans tomorrow, began.

The son of Afghani refugees, Slaimankhel moved to Auckland aged only three, where he became a talented athlete from a young age.

A champion youth track athlete and weightlifter at high school, Slaimankhel transitioned into a first XV star for Auckland Grammar, where he lined up alongside future Warriors team mate, and good friend, Konrad Hurrell in the backline.

The Warriors scouts came knocking, and before long, he was in the club's youth system. He has thrived at Mt Smart Stadium, scoring 45 tries in 45 Under-20s appearances, and being a crucial part of the club's Toyota Cup winning squads in both 2010, and 2011.

Making first-grade has been ''a dream,'' Slaimankhel told Fairfax New Zealand.

''It's been awesome playing with the boys,'' he said.

''It's something I've grown up wanting to do for my whole life. A few years ago, when I first came into league, I said the dream was to play top side, and that's come true, so hopefully more good things happen.''

There's plenty of familiar faces in the Warriors side these days for Slaimankhel. Other than standoff James Maloney, all the other members of the backline have served their time in the Warriors Under-20s.

''The whole left edge I'm playing with I played with for the 2010 Toyota Cup Grand Final,'' he said.

''It's been really awesome for me. Having them out there makes me feel comfortable, and makes me feel better I guess.''

Slaimankhel's debut, against the Sharks a fortnight ago, was a last-minute decision, included in the team after giant winger Manu Vatuvei pull out with a niggling knee worry.

His second appearance followed the same script, drafted in late for Glen Fisiiahi, who faces eight weeks on the sidelines with a knee injury.

Slaimankhel said the 'last minute' changes released pressure on him pre-game, and now sees himself ready to get into the footy without too many distractions.

''I think in the first game, I was glad it happened last minute. I didn't want the whole week to be stressing about it, and all nervous. All that stuff.''

''Having last minute in the first game, well, it lined up well. Now having played two games, it doesn't change too much. I just have to go out there and play.''

Warriors coach Brian McClennan has been impressed with the young winger's attitude around camp, and said he will benefit from having a whole week to prepare for his third first-grade hit-out.

''The last couple of times he's had to come in cold,'' McClennan said. ''He'll be a lot better for that, and I think that will reflect in his performance too.''

''He's out there with Shaun [Johnson] and Ben [Henry], so that makes him a bit more comfortable. He's not a boy that's withdrawn anyway. He's not shy one bit. As far as the lead-up in the hotel and that sort of thing, he's fine. He can go and sit at any table and get on alright with anybody.''

Entering the final year of his current Warriors contraction, speculation has been rife that the 20-year-old will be heading over the Ditch to continue his footballing career.

The Rabbitohs have been the team most linked to his signature, while the Sharks and a Super Rugby franchise, understood to be the Melbourne Rebels, are also in the mix.

While flattered by the attention, Slaimankhel insists he is concentrated on getting on the footy paddock and just doing his job.

''At the moment, I'm just taking it game by game,'' he said.

''The last few weeks I've been playing game-by-game. It's been a dream come true. Anything after that, just happens.''

- © Fairfax NZ News