Local product Avery-Rose Carmont has today been confirmed as the final signing for the Warriors’ return to the NRLW competition this season.
Out of the Ōtāhuhu Leopards, the 23-year-old hooker fills the last spot on the 24-strong roster as the Warriors prepare to assemble for preseason training ahead of their first NRLW campaign since 2000.
While securing Carmont for the top squad, Warriors NRLW head coach Ron Griffiths has also announced Aucklanders Sharnyze Pihema and Ivana Lautitiiti have been recruited on development contracts.
Both Carmont and Lauitiiti boast potent rugby league links.
Carmont’s father George had a decorated top-level career with the Newcastle Knights, the Wigan Warriors and Sāmoa while Lauitiiti’s father is the legendary
Ali Lauitiiti who played more than 400 games for the One New Zealand Warriors, the Leeds Rhinos and the Wakefield Wildcats as well as representing the Kiwis and Sāmoa.
Griffiths said Carmont had been on the club’s radar for some time before being signed.
“Although Avery filled the last spot on the roster we had been in conversation with her and monitoring her performance since the middle of last year,” he said.
“When we arrived in Auckland we had the opportunity to watch her train for Ōtāhuhu and were impressed with her work ethic.
“We invited her to attend training with the NRLW players we had in Auckland and she was happy to volunteer her time.
“Avery fitted in with the squad and looked comfortable and has been rewarded with an opportunity to represent the Warriors.”
Secured on a one-year contract, Carmont has represented the Auckland Vulcans helping them to win the national women’s premiership for the first time in 2023.
“I was lucky enough to be invited to a few of the Warriors’ trainings by Ron while still in preseason for local club footy,” she said.
“I was excited at the opportunity to get a feel of what it was like training in a professional environment and took the opportunity with both hands to get as many learnings out of it as I could.
“Ron then approached me for a cup of coffee and I thought it was to give some feedback about how I had been training … no intentions of signing whatsoever.
“While chatting he offered me a one-year deal, catching me completely by surprise.
“It still feels surreal to be in the team but I’m so grateful to even be considered.
“We’ve struggled for pathways in New Zealand so for Ron to choose a local girl who still has so much learning to do is crazy but hopefully it motivates more ladies to stay home (in New Zealand) and trust their talent will be noticed.
“I just want to get in there, work hard and grow my game as much as I can.”
As well as representing the Auckland Vulcans, Carmont was selected in the Fetu Sāmoa squad for the 2023 Pacific Championships.
Griffiths said development players Pihema and Lauitiiti have much to offer.
“Sharnyze is a talented player who has a big future,” he said.
“She’s a robust ball-running back rower who has immaculate timing in defence.
“Ivana is a powerful middle who is talented on both sides of the ball. A defensive powerhouse with subtle offloading skills.”
The Warriors start their 2025 NRLW season against the star-studded Roosters at Allianz Stadium in Sydney on Sunday, July 6.
