Eloni Vunakece has three children and as many jobs. They provide him with a unique perspective that he will bring to his latest gig, as a director for the Rugby League Players' Association.

There are plenty of marquee men on the RLPA board. Cameron Smith, James Maloney, Tim Mannah and the other new addition, New Zealand captain Adam Blair, are now as influential off the field as on it.

Vunakece brings an altogether different insight to the plight of the players. The Roosters prop continues to work as a garbage collector, didn't make his NRL debut until 28 and has picked up a third job, as a personal trainer, to help make ends meet for a young family that includes wife Mel and their three children under five.

The game's elite will always be well remunerated, but Vunakece is the voice of the battler. He will represent those who strive to make the NRL but can't make a living from football alone.