Player Bio
Makayla Eli on her signing
“I noticed a missed call and a message left on my phone before training one day saying: ‘Hi this is Ron, Warriors NRLW coach.’ I was like: ‘What the? Is someone having me on?’“I rang back and was hit with total shock and excitement once he introduced himself.
He asked me why I play, what I want out of footy. I told him I enjoy playing good footy, simple as that, and I want to keep doing it until I can’t.
“Obviously there are so many other amazing aspects that come with it such as the relationships and connections, the high performance environment, representing my whānau. But a key thing for me would be, if young girls from where I’m from see me excelling and doing it on a platform such as this, then I hope they feel motivated to know it’s a goal that’s reachable. Even better, to do it in our own backyard.
“So to be involved with the return of the Warriors is special. I’m looking forward to soaking up the experience and being around players who come from high performance backgrounds and learning as much as I can from them and the new environment I’m in.
“Ron has been clear and transparent with his vision for the team and expectations of me which I’m truly grateful for and I’m looking forward to the challenge.
“It’s evident he’s someone who is capable of aiding players to reach their full potential and building a team culture that goes beyond just players on a field. I’m honoured and so grateful to be a part of it.”
Profile | Makayla Eli
Born: September 17, 2001Birthplace: Auckland, NZ
Club teams: Rugby union | Ardmore Marist, Rugby league | Otahuhu Leopards, Manurewa Marlins, South Sydney Rabbitohs, Manly Warringah Sea Eagles
Position: Halfback, centre, second row
Height: 172cm
Weight: 95kg
NRLW debut: Yet to make debut
Representative: Rugby union | Manusina, Counties Manukau Heat, Counties Manukau Heat 7s, Moana Pasifika, Moana Pasifika 7s, Maui Māori Pasifika under-21. Rugby league | Fetu Samoa, Counties Manukau Stingrays, Auckland Vulcans, Aotearoa Māori
