New Zealand Warriors Women
Professional rugby league football club
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The New Zealand Warriors Women are a professional rugby league football club based in Auckland, New Zealand that competes in the National Rugby League Women's (NRLW) premiership.[2] The Warriors women’s team are coached by Ronald Griffiths. [3] As with their men’s team, the Warriors women are based at Mount Smart Stadium in the Auckland suburb of Penrose. The Warriors women’s team previously competed in the NRLW for three seasons: 2018, 2019, and 2020.
Green
Red
White
| Club information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | New Zealand Warriors Rugby League Football Club[1] | ||
| Nickname(s) | The Warriors, The Wahs | ||
| Colours | Blue Green Red White | ||
| Founded | Club: 1995 as Auckland Warriors | ||
| Website | warriors.kiwi | ||
| Current details | |||
| Ground |
| ||
| CEO | Tom Gannan | ||
| Chairman | Ken Reinsfield | ||
| Coach | Ronald Griffiths | ||
| Captain | Apii Nicholls | ||
| Competition | NRL Women's Premiership | ||
| |||
 Current season | |||
| Records | |||
| Premierships | 0 | ||
| Biggest win | Warriors 44 – 6 Tigers Campbelltown Stadium (14 Sep 2025) | ||
| Biggest loss | Warriors 6 – 30 Roosters Allianz Stadium (6 Jul 2025) | ||
| First game | Warriors 10 – 4 Roosters ANZ Stadium (8 Sep 2018) | ||
| Most recent game | Warriors 44 – 6 Tigers Campbelltown Stadium (14 Sep 2025) | ||
| Wooden spoons | 0 | ||
| Most capped | 16 – Apii Nicholls | ||
| Highest try scorer | 15 – Payton Takimoana | ||
| Highest points scorer | 60 – Payton Takimoana | ||
History
In December 2017, the New Zealand Warriors expressed their interest in applying for a licence to participate in the inaugural NRL Women's Premiership. In March 2018, they were awarded one of four licences for the league's inaugural season, to commence in September of the same year.[4] Luisa Avaiki was named the coach of the side. [5]
The team competed in, and finished 3rd place in both the 2018 and 2019 seasons, the latter of which included the first ever standalone NRLW match held at Mount Smart Stadium.[6]
The team was impacted in 2020 by travel restrictions imposed to mitigate the COVID-19 pandemic. Five New Zealand based players from the previous season elected to go through three weeks of quarantine isolation on arrival in Australia to prepare for the 2020 NRLW season.[7] The remainder of the Warriors squad consisted of Australian based players. The team was coached by Jillaroos coach, Brad Donald. [8] The side came in third place (from four) for the third consecutive year.
In June 2021, CEO Cameron George announced the team would not compete in the 2021 competition but plan to re-enter the competition in 2022. [9] This did not eventuate, however, with the NRL announcing NRLW expansion to 10 teams for the 2023 season that did not include the Warriors. [10] In August 2022, during a Members-Only meeting with CEO Cameron George, Owner Mark Robinson, Coach Stacey Jones, and Captain Tohu Harris. It was announced their intention to re-enter the competition for the 2025 season. On March 28 2024, NRL CEO Andrew Abdo announced the Warriors would rejoin the NRLW, along with a Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs team, in an expanded 12-team competition from 2025. [2]
In December 2025, the Warriors announced a pathways partnership with the South Sydney Rabbitohs for the 2026 NRLW season. Under the agreement, Warriors contracted players not required for the NRLW team on a particular weekend will be available to play for the Rabbitohs in the NSWRL Women's Premiership. South Sydney contracted players will have the opportunity to trial for the Warriors and to be brought into the squad and NRLW team as injury replacements.[11]
First Team
The first ever New Zealand Warriors team who played the Sydney Roosters on the 8th September 2018 at ANZ Stadium. The New Zealand Warriors won the match 10-4. [12]
Players of the Year
The New Zealand Warriors player of the year award winners since 2018 (please note Warriors did not play between 2021 and 2024).
| Name | Year |
|---|---|
| not awarded | 2018 |
| not awarded | 2019 |
| Evania Isa'ako | 2020 |
| Apii Nicholls | 2025 |
Coaches
On 1 July 2024, the club announced the appointment of Ronald Griffiths as head coach of their NRLW team, for their return to the competition in 2025. Griffiths was appointed on a three-year deal. [3]
| Coach | Season Span | M | W | D | L | For | Agst | Win % | Share % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Luisa Avaiki | 2018–2019 | 6 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 56 | 104 | 50.00% | 35.00% |
| Brad Donald | 2020 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 48 | 60 | 33.33% | 44.44% |
| Ronald Griffiths | 2025 | 11 | 4 | 0 | 7 | 194 | 198 | 36.36% | 49.49% |
Table last updated: 15 September 2025.
Captains
All players that have captained the New Zealand Women's in first-grade.
| Cap No. | Name | Years As Captain | Debut Round | Games As Captain | Games for Club |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Laura Mariu | 2018 | Round 1 | 3 | 3 |
| 2. | Georgia Hale | 2019-2020 | Round 1 | 6 | 9 |
| 3. | Apii Nicholls | 2025-present | Round 1 | 11 | 16 |
| 4. | Harata Butler | 2025 | Round 7 | 1 | 11 |
Players
Jersey numbers in the table currently indicate announced signings for 2026, ordered alphabetically by given name.
Table last updated on 27 April 2026.
| J# | Player | Age | Position(s) | NRLW Seasons | NRLW Stats | Origin | Tests | All Stars | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Debut | 2018-24 | 2025 | 2026 | M | T | G | Pts | Prems | |||||||
| 1 | Annetta Nu'uausala | 31 | Prop, Second-row | 2018 |  4  5  15 | 11 | 0 | 35 | 5 | 0 | 20 | 1 | — |  14  6 | — |
| 2 | Apii Nicholls | 33 | Fullback | 2018 | 6  5  17 | 10 | 0 | 38 | 2 | 13 | 34 | — | — | 19 | — |
| 3 | Ashlee Matapo | 19 | Prop | 2025 | — | 8 | 0 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | — |  2 | — |
| 4 | Capri Paekau | 24 | Hooker | 2023 |  5 | 10 | 0 | 15 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | — | 1 |  2 |
| 5 | Emmanita Paki | 23 | Five-eighth, Centre | 2022 | 4 | 11 | 0 | 15 | 2 | 0 | 8 | 1 |  2 |  3 | — |
| 6 | Felila Kia | 22 | Prop, Second-row | 2023 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | — | — | — |
| 7 | Gayle Broughton | 29 | Five-eighth, Fullback | 2022 | 7 16 | 13 | 0 | 36 | 9 | 0 | 36 | 1 | — | 3 | 2 |
| 8 | Harata Butler | 32 | Prop | 2023 |  8  4 | 11 | 0 | 23 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — |  1 | 1 | 4 |
| 9 | Ivana Lauitiiti | 19 | Prop | 2025 | — | 6 | 0 | 6 | 2 | 0 | 8 | — | — | 3 | — |
| 10 | Jasmin Huriwai | 32 | Halfback | — | — | RU | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | — | — | — |
| 11 | Kaiyah Atai | 24 | Lock, Centre | 2025 | — | 11 | 0 | 11 | 1 | 0 | 4 | — | — | 4 | — |
| 12 | Laishon Albert-Jones | 28 | Lock, Second-row | 2023 | 20 | 9 | 0 | 29 | 5 | 0 | 20 | 1 | — | 3 | 1 |
| 13 | Lavinia Tauhalaliku | 26 | Wing, Centre | 2025 | 4 | 3 | 0 | 7 | 2 | 0 | 8 | — | — | 1 3 | — |
| 14 | Maarire Puketapu | 23 | Second-row, Lock | 2025 | — | 10 | 0 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | — | — | — |
| 15 | Matekino Gray | 21 | Prop, Second-row | 2024 | 4 | 8 | 0 | 12 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | — | — | 1 |
| 16 | Mele Hufanga | 31 | Centre | 2023 | 20 | 13 | 0 | 33 | 25 | 0 | 100 | 1 | — | 1 13 | — |
| 17 | Metanoia Fotu-Moala | 27 | Prop | 2025 | — | 5 | 0 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 4 | — | — | 1 | — |
| 18 | Mya Hill-Moana | 23 | Prop | 2021 |  25 | — | 0 | 25 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 2 | — | 10 | 5 |
| 19 | Patricia Maliepo | 23 | Five-eighth | 2025 | — | 9 | 0 | 9 | 4 | 17 | 50 | — | — | 2 | — |
| 20 | Payton Takimoana | 22 | Centre, Wing | 2025 | — | 11 | 0 | 11 | 15 | 0 | 60 | — | — | — | 1 |
| 21 | Shakira Baker | 34 | Second-row, Centre | 2025 | — | 8 | 0 | 8 | 1 | 0 | 4 | — | — | 1 | 1 |
| 22 | Stacey Waaka | 30 | Wing | 2024 | 6 | U7s | 0 | 6 | 6 | 0 | 24 | — | — | — | — |
| 23 | Tyra Wetere | 20 | Wing, Halfback | 2025 | — | 6 | 0 | 6 | 5 | 0 | 20 | — | — | — | — |
| 24 | Tysha Ikenasio | 28 | Centre, Fullback | 2025 | — | 8 | 0 | 8 | 2 | 0 | 8 | — | — | 2 | — |
| DV | Danii Gray | 19 | Hooker | — | — | — | — | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | — | — | — |
| P | Michaela Brake | 30 | Wing, Centre | 2025 | — | 4 | — | 4 | 2 | 0 | 8 | — | — | — | — |
Notes:
- The following players were signed on a Development contract for 2025:[13]
- Ivana Lautitiiti
- Sharnyze Pihema
The New Zealand Warriors had announced contract extensions in several instalments from August 2025.[14][15][16][17][18][19] The New Zealand Warriors had announced player signings in several instalments from October 2025.[20][21][22][23][24]
Signings for 2025
From 10 September 2024 the New Zealand Warriors began to announce player signings for the 2025 NRLW season.
| Player | Position(s) | Announcement Date | 2024 Club | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apii Nicholls | Fullback | 10 Sep 2024 | Canberra Raiders | [25] |
| Mya Hill-Moana | Prop | 12 Sep 2024 | Sydney Roosters | [26] |
| Capri Paekau | Hooker | 12 Sep 2024 | Taniwharau | [26] |
| Harata Butler | Prop | 12 Sep 2024 | North Queensland Cowboys | [26] |
| Laishon Albert-Jones | Second-row, Lock | 16 Sep 2024 | Newcastle Knights | [27] |
| Matekino Gray | Prop | 18 Sep 2024 | Gold Coast Titans | [28] |
| Emmanita Paki | Centre, Wing | 18 Sep 2024 | Central Qld Capras | [28] |
| Lavinia Tauhalaliku | Wing, Centre | 18 Sep 2024 | North Queensland Cowboys | [28] |
2026 Gains and Losses
| Player | 2025 Club |
|---|---|
| Annetta Nu'uausala | Brisbane Broncos |
| Gayle Broughton | Brisbane Broncos |
| Mele Hufanga | Brisbane Broncos |
| Stacey Waaka | NZ Rugby 7s |
| Player | 2026 Club |
|---|---|
| Lavinia Kitai | St George Illawarra Dragons |
| Avery-Rose Carmont | Released |
| Emily Curtain | Released |
| Makayla Eli | Released |
| Kalyn Takitimu-Cook | Released |
| Lydia Turua-Quedley | Released |
| Sharnyze Pihema | Released |
| Player | Year Off Contract |
|---|---|
| Patricia Maliepo | 2026 |
| Metanoia Fotu-Moala | 2026 (Club Option for 2027) |
| Kaiyah Atai | 2027 |
| Ivana Lauitiiti | 2027 |
| Maarire Puketapu | 2027 |
| Player |
|---|
| Apii Nicholls |
| Capri Paekau |
| Emmanita Paki |
| Felila Kia |
| Harata Butler |
| Laishon Albert-Jones |
| Lavinia Tauhalaliku |
| Matekino Gray |
| Patricia Maliepo |
| Payton Takimoana |
| Tyra Watere |
Seasons
2026 Draw
The draw for the 2026 season was announced on 14 November 2025.[29][30][31]
| Round | Opponent | Score | Date | Time | Venue | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  Bulldogs | Sun 5 Jul 2026 | 1:45 PM | Home | FMG Stadium Waikato | |
| 2 | Raiders | Sun 12 Jul 2026 | 12.00 PM | Away | GIO Stadium | |
| 3 | Cowboys | Sat 18 Jul 2026 | 3:15 PM | Home | Go Media Stadium | |
| 4 | Eels | Sun 26 Jul 2026 | 12:00 PM | Away | Eric Tweedale Stadium | |
| 5 | Titans | Sun 2 Aug 2026 | 1:45 PM | Neutral | Geohex Stadium, Wagga Wagga | |
| 6 | Knights | Sat 8 Aug 2026 | 5:15 PM | Home | FMG Stadium Waikato | |
| 7 |  Tigers | Sun 16 Aug 2026 | 1:45 PM | Away | CommBank Stadium | |
| 8 | Roosters | Sun 23 Aug 2026 | 1:45 PM | Away | Allianz Stadium | |
| 9 |  Dragons | Sun 30 Aug 2026 | 11:50 AM | Home | Go Media Stadium | |
| 10 | Sharks | Sat 5 Sep 2026 | 12:45 PM | Home | Go Media Stadium | |
| 11 | Broncos | Sun 13 Sep 2026 | 12:00 PM | Away | Totally Workwear Stadium | |
Club records
Win Loss Record since entering the NRLW in 2018 (went into hiatus between 2021 and 2024 due to covid-19)
| Games | Wins | Drawn | Loss | Points For | Points Against | +/- | Win % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20 | 8 | 0 | 12 | 304 | 362 | -58 | 40.00 |
First Try and Last Try
Who scored the first try and most recent try for the Warriors.
| Name | Round | Opponent | Venue | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hilda Mariu | Round 1 | Sydney Roosters | ANZ Stadium | 2018 |
| Kaiyah Atai | Round 11 | Wests Tigers | Campbelltown Sports Stadium | 2025 |
Head-to-head records
| Opponent | First Meeting | P | W | D | L | PF | PA | Win % | Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Roosters | 8 Sep 2018 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 44 | 68 | 50.00% | 39.29% |
 Dragons | 15 Sep 2018 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 56 | 84 | 25.00% | 40.00% |
| Broncos | 21 Sep 2018 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 40 | 94 | 25.00% | 29.85% |
| Eels | 13 Jul 2025 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 14 | 0 | 100.00% | 100.00% |
| Knights | 20 Jul 2025 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 20 | 36 | 0.00% | 35.71% |
| Titans | 26 Jul 2025 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 10 | 20 | 0.00% | 33.33% |
| Cowboys | 3 Aug 2025 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 12 | 6 | 100.00% | 66.67% |
| Bulldogs | 9 Aug 2025 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 34 | 6 | 100.00% | 85.00% |
| Raiders | 16 Aug 2025 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 16 | 20 | 0.00% | 44.44% |
| Sharks | 24 Aug 2025 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 14 | 22 | 0.00% | 38.89% |
| Tigers | 14 Sep 2025 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 44 | 6 | 100.00% | 88.00% |
| Totals | 4 Jul 2025 | 20 | 8 | 0 | 12 | 304 | 362 | 40.00% | 45.65% |
Notes
- Share % is the percentage of points For over the sum of points For and Against.
- Clubs listed in the order than the Dragons Women first played them.
- Last updated: 15 September 2025
Player records
Lists and tables last updated: 21 September 2025.
|
Most Games for the Warriors
Most Tries for the Warriors
Most Goals for the Warriors
Most Points for the Warriors (12+)
Most points in a game (8+)
Most points in a game (8+)
Most Tries in a game (8+)
Most Goals in a game
Most Points in a Season (12+)
|
Oldest and youngest players
The oldest and youngest players to represent the New Zealand Warriors women in the NRLW.
| ! Name | Age | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Lorina Papali'i | 41 and 248 days | 2018 |
| Ashlee Matapo | 18 and 289 days | 2025 |
Margins and streaks
Biggest winning margins
| Margin | Score | Opponent | Venue | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 38 | 44—6 | Wests Tigers | Campbelltown Stadium | 14 September 2025 |
| 28 | 34—6 | Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs | Accor Stadium | 9 August 2025 |
| 14 | 14—0 | Parramatta Eels | Go Media Stadium | 13 July 2025 |
| 12 | 22—10 | St George Illawarra Dragons | ANZ Stadium | 17 October 2020 |
| 6 | 12—6 | North Queensland Cowboys | McDonald Jones Stadium | 03 August 2025 |
| 6 | 10—4 | Sydney Roosters | ANZ Stadium | 08 September 2018 |
| 4 | 16—12 | Sydney Roosters | AAMI Park | 14 September 2019 |
| 2 | 10—8 | Brisbane Broncos | SCG | 28 September 2019 |
Biggest losing margins
| Margin | Score | Opponent | Venue | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 24 | 6—30 | Sydney Roosters | Allianz Stadium | 6 July 2025 |
| 22 | 10—32 | Brisbane Broncos | AAMI Park | 21 September 2018 |
| 20 | 6—26 | St George Illawarra Dragons | Mount Smart Stadium | 22 September 2019 |
| 20 | 6—26 | Brisbane Broncos | FMG Stadium Waikato | 7 September 2025 |
| 16 | 20—36 | Newcastle Knights | McDonald Jones Stadium | 20 July 2025 |
| 14 | 14—28 | Brisbane Broncos | GIO Stadium | 3 October 2020 |
| 12 | 10—22 | St George Illawarra Dragons | ANZ Stadium | 15 September 2018 |
| 10 | 12—22 | Sydney Roosters | Bankwest Stadium | 10 October 2020 |
| 10 | 10—20 | Gold Coast Titans | Go Media Stadium | 26 July 2025 |
| 8 | 14—22 | Cronulla Sharks | FMG Stadium Waikato | 24 August 2025 |
| 8 | 18—26 | St George Illawarra Dragons | Jubilee Stadium | 30 August 2025 |
Most consecutive wins
- 2 — (3 August 2025 — 9 August 2025)
Most consecutive losses
- 2 — (15 September 2018 — 21 September 2018)
- 2 — (3 October 2020 — 10 October 2020)
- 2 — (20 July 2025 — 26 July 2025)
Biggest Comeback
- Recovered from 6 point deficit to win. Trailed Sydney Roosters 0-6 after 26 minutes at AAMI Park on September 14 2019 and won 16-12.
Worst Collapse
- Surrendered 8 point lead. Led Brisbane Broncos 8-0 after 16 minutes at GIO Stadium on October 3 2020 and lost 14-28.
First match
| Margin | Score | Opponent | Venue | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 10–4 | Sydney Roosters | ANZ Stadium | 8 Sep 2018 |
All-Stars Representatives
Past and current players that have played for the Indigenous All-Stars or for the Māori All-Stars.
Indigenous All Stars 
| Player | Year(s) |
|---|---|
| NIL |
Māori All Stars 
| Player | Year(s) |
|---|---|
| Harata Butler | 2025-2026 |
| Gayle Broughton | 2026 |
| Payton Takimoana | 2026 |
| Mya Hill-Moana | 2026 |
| Shakira Baker | 2026 |
Representative players
National team representatives
Past and current players that have been selected to play for a national women's team and competed internationally.
| Player | Years represented | Country |
|---|---|---|
| Billy-Jean Ale | 2019 | New Zealand |
| Racquel Anderson | 2019 | |
| Shakira Baker | 2025 | |
| Madison Bartlett | 2019 | |
| Georgia Hale | 2018–2019 | |
| Tysha Ikenasio | 2025 | |
| Amber Kani | 2018–2019 | |
| Ivana Lauitiiti | 2025 | |
| Onjeurlina Leiataua | 2018–2019 | |
| Patricia Maliepo | 2025 | |
| Hilda Mariu | 2019 | |
| Laura Mariu | 2018 | |
| Jules Newman | 2019 | |
| Apii Nicholls | 2019 | |
| Annetta Nu'uausala | 2018–2019 | |
| Sui Tauasa Pauaraisa | 2018 | |
| Kanyon Paul | 2020 | |
| Charntay Poko | 2019 | |
| Krystal Rota | 2018–2019 | |
| Aieshaleigh Smalley | 2018–2019 | |
| Crystal Tamarua | 2018–2020 | |
| Langi Veainu | 2018 | |
| Kathleen Wharton | 2019 | |
| Kaiyah Atai | 2025 | Cook Islands |
| Lavinia Kitai | 2025 | |
| Lydia Turua-Quedley | 2025 | |
| Emmanita Paki | 2025 | Tonga |
See also
- NZRL Women's National Tournament