Player Lavinia Kitai

[mt.wellington]

Lavinia Kitai

​

Lavinia Kitai on her signing​

“I was super excited when presented with the opportunity to sign. Ron called me early one morning. I felt so humbled and blessed that he wanted me to join the Warriors for 2025. I'd been working so hard especially this year; I knew if I got the opportunity, I am ready for this next step. I'm so keen and eager to train, work hard and learn as much as I can from Ron and the rest of the team.
“I relocated to Cronulla in May this year for an opportunity in the Harvey Norman Premiership with the Cronulla Sharks after playing earlier in Queensland BMD premiership for Burleigh. Ron happened to be at my game where we met the Newcastle Knights. He was impressed with the long minutes, hard runs, defensive efforts and hits I had made during that game. He contacted me later for a chat and told me he would like to keep in contact and continued watching my games.
“It's a privilege in itself to have the opportunity of being a signed player. To have the opportunity to be signed by the Warriors as a returning team to the competition is even better. I feel it comes full circle to me being a Kiwi and I am honoured and will wear the jersey proudly.
“Ron’s expectations of me are to be a dominant middle defender and set good platforms with powerful running. He wants me to focus on 'effort-on-effort' work and be working hard in and around the ruck area. I will be working hard to ensure I am at my peak fitness-wise for the upcoming season and to set good standards to earn the respect of Ron and the playing group.
“I was born in New Zealand and Mum and Dad moved to the Gold Coast in Australia when I was two years old. Mum's heritage is Māori and Dad is Cook Islander. They are Aucklanders from big families and both families are still there today so I will have such massive support to lean on.
“Rugby league and sport has always been in our family. My dad played for Mount Albert when he was younger. He is one of my biggest inspirations and taught me a lot about the game as he is footy smart.
“When Ron approached me, I was excited to grasp this opportunity with both hands. I'm eager and excited to work hard for Ron and the team and will put my best foot forward.
Thank you to the One New Zealand Warriors for the opportunity. I didn’t hesitate to be able to play and be coached by Ron as a premiership winner.
“My love to my parents and siblings for their unwavering support and sacrifices, and to my family in New Zealand I can't wait to represent you in the NRLW.”

Profile | Lavinia Kitai​

Born: August 18, 2004
Birthplace: Auckland, NZ
Clubs: Parkwood Sharks (Qld), Burleigh Bears (Qld), Cronulla Sutherland Sharks (NSW), South Logan Magpies (Qld)
Position: Prop
Height: 175cm
Weight: 85kg
NRLW career: Yet to make debut
Honours: Cook Islands Vaine Moana 2022-2024, Rugby League World Cup 2022, Queensland 19s State of Origin 2022, Brisbane Broncos academy 2022, Brisbane Broncos development 2022-2023, Gold Coast Titans development 2021

 

[mt.wellington]

View: https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=992782332869963&set=pcb.992782362869960&locale=nl_NL​

 

[mt.wellington]

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.

Front rower Kitai (20) has been a Cook Islands international since 2022 while playing at club level in both the New South Wales and Queensland premierships.

“I watched Lavinia play in the BMD (Queensland) competition and also the Harvey Norman NSW premiership,” said Griffiths.

“You could see by year’s end that when she took the field her presence grew with each game. Her coach at Harvey Norman level spoke highly of her attitude and willingness to accept feedback and continue to grow.

“Lavinia has a great attitude to work and will be a welcome addition to our roster.”

• The Warriors’ 22 NRLW squad players signed so far are: Apii Nicholls, Mya Hill-Moana, Harata Butler, Capri Paekau, Laishon Albert-Jones, Emmanita Paki, Lavinia Tauhalaliku, Matekino Gray, Shakira Baker, Tyra Wetere, Metanoia Fotu-Moala, Michaela Blyde, Tysha Ikenasio, Payton Takimoana, Kalyn Takitimu-Cook, Makayla Eli, Kaiyah Atai, Emily Curtain, Felila Kia, Lavinia Kitai, Maarire Puketapu and Lydia Turua-Quedley.
• Development player Danii Gray, an Auckland Girls’ Grammar School product, has been an age group representative as well as playing for the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles in the Tarsha Gale Cup (under-19) in New South Wales.
• “Danii’s a talented half who, with the right attitude, has the ability to develop into a consistent NRLW player. We are looking forward to helping her realise her potential,” said Griffiths.

2025 Warriors NRLW signings​

Lavinia Kitai on her signing​

“I was super excited when presented with the opportunity to sign. Ron called me early one morning. I felt so humbled and blessed that he wanted me to join the Warriors for 2025. I'd been working so hard especially this year; I knew if I got the opportunity, I am ready for this next step. I'm so keen and eager to train, work hard and learn as much as I can from Ron and the rest of the team.
“I relocated to Cronulla in May this year for an opportunity in the Harvey Norman Premiership with the Cronulla Sharks after playing earlier in Queensland BMD premiership for Burleigh. Ron happened to be at my game where we met the Newcastle Knights. He was impressed with the long minutes, hard runs, defensive efforts and hits I had made during that game. He contacted me later for a chat and told me he would like to keep in contact and continued watching my games.
“It's a privilege in itself to have the opportunity of being a signed player. To have the opportunity to be signed by the Warriors as a returning team to the competition is even better. I feel it comes full circle to me being a Kiwi and I am honoured and will wear the jersey proudly.
“Ron’s expectations of me are to be a dominant middle defender and set good platforms with powerful running. He wants me to focus on 'effort-on-effort' work and be working hard in and around the ruck area. I will be working hard to ensure I am at my peak fitness-wise for the upcoming season and to set good standards to earn the respect of Ron and the playing group.
“I was born in New Zealand and Mum and Dad moved to the Gold Coast in Australia when I was two years old. Mum's heritage is Māori and Dad is Cook Islander. They are Aucklanders from big families and both families are still there today so I will have such massive support to lean on.
“Rugby league and sport has always been in our family. My dad played for Mount Albert when he was younger. He is one of my biggest inspirations and taught me a lot about the game as he is footy smart.
“When Ron approached me, I was excited to grasp this opportunity with both hands. I'm eager and excited to work hard for Ron and the team and will put my best foot forward.
Thank you to the One New Zealand Warriors for the opportunity. I didn’t hesitate to be able to play and be coached by Ron as a premiership winner.
“My love to my parents and siblings for their unwavering support and sacrifices, and to my family in New Zealand I can't wait to represent you in the NRLW.”

Profile | Lavinia Kitai​

Born: August 18, 2004
Birthplace: Auckland, NZ
Clubs: Parkwood Sharks (Qld), Burleigh Bears (Qld), Cronulla Sutherland Sharks (NSW), South Logan Magpies (Qld)
Position: Prop
Height: 175cm
Weight: 85kg
NRLW career: Yet to make debut
Honours: Cook Islands Vaine Moana 2022-2024, Rugby League World Cup 2022, Queensland 19s State of Origin 2022, Brisbane Broncos academy 2022, Brisbane Broncos development 2022-2023, Gold Coast Titans development 2021

Six players added to NRLW squad

Former NRLW players Emily Curtain and Felila Kia among players added to Warriors' squad.

www.warriors.kiwi

*article abridged to contain player relevant information.