Queensland-based trio three latest NRLW signings
Richard Becht & photosport.nz
Wed 18 Sep 2024, 03:00 pm
Queensland Origin representative
Emmanita Paki, double international
Lavinia Tauhalaliku and New Zealand-born Gold Coast Titans forward
Matekino Gray have today been confirmed as the One New Zealand Warriors’ latest signings for their NRLW comeback in 2025.
Paki (21) has been secured for the 2025 and 2026 seasons, Tauhalaliku (25) for 2025 and 2026 with a club option for 2027 and 19-year-old Gray for the first two years with a mutual option for 2027.
That boosts the number of signings to eight following announcements in the past week confirming fullback
Apii Nicholls, props
Mya Hill-Moana and
Harata Butler, hooker
Capri Paekau and second rower
Laishon Albert-Jones.
Nuku’alofa-born Tauhalaliku, able to play fullback, wing or centre, has combined rugby league and rugby union.
In union she has played for Manurewa, Counties Manukau and Tonga while in rugby league the Southern Cross Campus product has come through the Mangere East Hawks and then City – the combined Ponsonby Ponies-Point Chevalier side – in the Auckland women’s premiership. Scoring 15 tries in 13 matches she was the winner of the Auckland Rugby League’s 2023 Cathy Friend women’s player of the year award.
A Kiwi Fern in 2020, she represented Mate Ma’a Tonga in 2022 and 2023 before playing in the New South Wales premiership this season.
Scoring five tries in Manly Warringah’s 28-4 win over South Sydney in August, she was subsequently signed by the North Queensland Cowboys. Since making her NRLW debut against Brisbane earlier this month she has averaged 141 metres in her first three appearances.
“Lavinia made the commitment to move to Australia to play in the Harvey Norman NSW premiership Manly this year,” said One New Zealand Warriors NRLW head coach
Ronald Griffiths.
“This ultimately led to her being signed to finish the 2024 NRLW season with the Cowboys.
One New Zealand Warriors NRLW head coach
“In round six she would go on to make her debut, having an immediate impact and then topping the run metres (193 metres) in her next game. She’s a powerful outside back who has represented both the Kiwi and Tongan teams.
“When we met with Lavinia it was apparent the opportunity to play in New Zealand surrounded by whānau and to inspire the next generation of NRLW players was something she would cherish.”
Lavinia Tauhalaliku
“What a journey! I've grown so much as a player on and off the field. With everything I've been through I've come to realise that the Warriors is where my heart lies.
“I’d just like to thank Ron Griffiths and the One New Zealand Warriors for the opportunity to learn and develop my game in the NRLW for the coming years.
“I’m excited about returning to play in front of my family and joining my teammates and hopefully, together, we can achieve great things!”
Profile |
Lavinia Tauhalaliku
Born: August 27, 1999
Birthplace: Nuku’alofa, Tonga
Clubs: Manurewa, Counties Manukau rugby union (Auckland); Mangere East Hawks, City (Auckland)
Position: Wing, centre, fullback
Height: 172cm
Weight: 68kg
NRLW debut: North Queensland Cowboys v Brisbane Broncos, Totally Workwear Stadium, September 1, 2024 (Rd 6)
NRLW clubs: North Queensland Cowboys (2024)
NRLW appearances: 3 (2024)
NRLW points: 4 (1 try)
Rep Honours: 1 Test for Kiwi Ferns (2020), 2 Tests for Mate Ma’a Tonga (2022-2023), Tonga rugby union
Kiwi Ferns No: 149
