"Billy is fast like me and I model my game around him," Nikoro said.
Nikoro (18) played league as a youngster and represented Counties-Manukau in that sport. He likes to counter-attack in rugby league style.
"I always look for space and try to find holes in the defence and then link up with my support," Nikoro said.
"Billy Slater is always an attacking threat when he gets the ball."
Nikoro is one of the four players in the New Zealand Schools squad who has returned from last year. He helped New Zealand to a 28-24 win in the test in Brisbane last year by landing a 60m penalty goal.
"It was a good feeling when we beat Australia," Nikoro said.
"I went out with the boys and celebrated that night."
He is in his third year in the Mount Albert Grammar School First XV and played a key role when his team beat Hamilton Boys' High School 20-17 in the national schools final in Rotorua last month.
Nikoro is also a talented athlete and was his school's senior champion after dominating the shot put and discus.
Nikoro has hamstring problems at the moment but expects to be ready for the test against Australia Schools at Littlebourne on Wednesday.
He was the sideline statistician for Friday's warm-up game against Otago Under-19 and noted who made and missed tackles.
Nikoro's next goal is to be part of the Auckland national championship squad, and later to become an All Black and play in the 2015 World Cup.
