I was one kiwi who was working overseas and then got a start with a link carrier without any problems at all. In my intake there were about six of us who had all been working overseas which got start dates with the same carrier.
There are those airlines that seem to run like an aeroclub or boy's club. Then there are those who do value that time overseas is meaningful and will never be counted against the applicant.
I think the RTG process means that a candidate from overseas is interviewed without any bias by the recruiters.