Six players added to NRLW squad
Richard Becht
Fri 20 Dec 2024, 01:56 pm
Former NRLW players
Emily Curtain and
Felila Kia are among six more players confirmed today in the One New Zealand Warriors’ 2025 squad.
Sydney-born halfback Curtain has made nine appearances for the Parramatta Eels and the Wests Tigers while Brisbane-raised second rower
Felila Kia had three games for the Newcastle Knights in 2023..
Joining them in the squad are three Cook Islands Moana internationals
Lavinia Kitai,
Lydia Turua-Quedley and
Kaiyah Atai along with Wellington-raised forward
Maarire Puketapu, who has played in the Queensland women’s premiership.
With 11 signings confirmed this week, there are now 22 spots filled in the Warriors’ roster while head coach
Ronald Griffiths has also confirmed 18-year-old halfback Danii Gray as the first player signed on a development contract.
After Michaela Blyde’s signing on Tuesday and four more players locked in yesterday, he’s excited about the qualities today’s six signed players will bring to the squad.
Cook Islands Turua-Quedley (25) and Atai (23) both play for the Richmond Roses in the Auckland competition while Turua-Quedley has also been a rugby union representative for the Auckland Storm in the Farah Palmer Cup.
“Watching Kaiyah play with the Richmond Roses then the Akarana Falcons it was highlighted in these games that her versatility and toughness would hold her in good stead to play NRLW.
“However, there are other traits that are equally as impressive such as Kaiyah’s ability to break down and reflect on her own game. Further to this, Kaiyah displays exceptional leadership traits beyond her years.”
“Ron reached out to me after watching some grassroots footy I was playing in Auckland. “From our conversations I could tell he genuinely cared about his players and is a real family man which I appreciate in a coach. He made his expectations clear about hard work and putting the team and club first.
“I’m so thankful for Ron and the club for this opportunity, especially as a local girl, because it means I get to stay here in New Zealand with my family and friends and be a part of a high-performance footy space which we haven’t really had here before.
“Just grateful to be a part of this club, carrying on what the players before us started and putting the jersey in a better place.”
Born: October 10, 2001
Birthplace: Auckland, NZ
Clubs: Richmond Roses
Position: Loose forward/second row
Height: 173cm
Weight: 69kg
NRLW debut: Yet to make debut
Representative honours: Cook Islands Vaine Moana, Akarana Falcons
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article abridged to contain player relevant information.
