Player Lorina Papali'i

[mt.wellington]

Lorina Papali'i

​

Lorina Papali'i (née Buckley; born 16 January 1977) is a former New Zealand rugby league and rugby union footballer from the 1990s, 2000s and 2010s.

A dual international, she represented New Zealand in rugby league and Samoa in rugby union.

Born in Hamilton, New Zealand, Papali'i went to school in Newcastle, Australia before returning to New Zealand. Her son, Isaiah, is a New Zealand and Samoan rugby league international.

In 1994, Papali'i made her Test debut for New Zealand while playing for the Richmond Rovers. She was later a member of New Zealand's successful 2000 and 2003 Women's Rugby League World Cup squads.

Papali'i enjoyed a long career with Richmond, winning the club's Player of the Year award four times (1996, 1997, 2001, 2002) and Forward of the Year award three times (1994, 1995, 2003). In 2002, she won the New Zealand Women's Nationals Player of the Tournament and in 2004 won the NZRL Player of the Year.[1] In 2010, she retired from rugby.

On 1 August 2018, Papali'i came out of retirement and was named in the New Zealand Warriors NRL Women's Premiership squad.

In Round 1 of the 2018 NRL Women's season, she made her debut for the Warriors in a 10–4 win over the Sydney Roosters. In doing so, Papali'i and her son Isaiah (who played for the Warriors' men's team) became the first mother and son to play for the same club.

In 2002 and 2006, Papali'i represented Samoa at the Rugby World Cup.

 

[mt.wellington]

Lorina Papalii
Nickname Lori
Position Second Row, Loosey
Date of Birth 16/01/1977
Birthplace Waikato
Height 160cm
Nationality Samoan/Eurpean
Junior Club/s Richmond Rovers
Role Models Anyone that works hard
Favourite NRL Team Warriors (because my son plays in there)
Favourite NRL Player Isaiah Papalii, Tohu Harris, Andrew Johns
Favourite Food Currently salmon bento & lychee bubble tea
Favourite Movie Sliding Doors & The Greatest Showman
Favourite Saying/Quote "I am a product of my decisions"
"One Life - make the most of it"
"What doesn't kill you, will make you stronger"
Most memorable moment in Rugby League Receiving Player of the Year in a World Cup winning year.
Also my son and I playing on the same night for NRL wearing "15" playing in the forwards
Most memorable moment outside of Rugby League 21 years old - a favourite year, 21st birthday, baptised, married and our son Isaiah was born
Goal for the year: Win the Auckland comp and to play NRL
Rugby League Rep Achievements

• Auckland
• North Harbour
• NRL Warriors
• Kiwi Ferns (1994-2005)
• World Cup (2000, 2005)
• New Zealand tag (2007, 2010, 2011)
• Samoa Mausina rugby union (2002 World Cup, 2006 World Cup),
• Akarana Falcons

Full name: LORINA CECILIA PAPALII

REPRESENTATIVE HONOURS
NEW ZEALAND TAG
2011 NZTFI – MIXED 30’S NZ TAG
NZTFI – M.V.P FEMALE PLAYER
2010 NZTFI - MIXED 30’S NZ TAG
2007 TAG NZ TRANS TASMAN 30’S WOMEN

INTERNATIONAL RUGBY UNION
2006 SELECTED FOR SAMOA MAUSINA WORLD CUP TEAM (HELD IN BARCELONA, SPAIN)
2002 SELECTED FOR SAMOA MAUSINA WORLD CUP TEAM (HELD IN EDMONTON ALBERTA, CANADA)
2000 – 2002 SELECTED FOR AUCKLAND STORM

SEVEN’S TEAM
2000 SELECTED FOR AUCKLAND (TOURNAMENT PALMERSTON NORTH)

INTERNATIONAL RUGBY LEAGUE
AUCKLAND SELECTION SINCE 1994
NEW ZELAND KIWIFERNS 14 TIMES SINCE 1994
SELECTION FOR 2 WORLD CUP'S FOR LEAGUE
2004 NEW ZEALAND WOMENS RUGBY LEAGUE PLAYER OF THE YEAR
2003 RICHMOND ROVERS LEAGUE – FORWARD OF THE YEAR
2002 RICHMOND ROVERS LEAGUE – PLAYER OF THE YEAR
RICHMOND ROVERS LEAGUE – CLUB PLAYER OF THE YEAR
NZWRL NATIONALS PLAYER OF THE TOURNAMENT
2001 RICHMOND ROVERS – PLAYER OF THE YEAR
AUCKLAND – BEST FORWARD
AUCKLAND – BEST & FAIREST
1997 RICHMOND ROVERS LEAGUE – MOST VALUABLE PLAYER OF THE YEAR
1996 RICHMOND ROVERS LEAGUE – PLAYER OF THE YEAR
1995 RICHMOND ROVERS LEAGUE – FORWARD OF THE YEAR
1994 RICHMOND ROVERS LEAGUE – FORWARD OF THE YEAR

TENNIS
1991 WINNER COUNTRY DIVISIONAL NEWCASTLE, N.S.W. AUSTRALIA
RUPPER UP B GRADE WOMENS
1990 RUNNER UP NTA NATIONAL BANK 15YRS & UNDER

CERTIFICATE HELD FOR :
2012 CROSSFIT LEVEL 1 TRAINERS CERTIFICATE
2010 NZRL MINI-MOD COURSE IN RUGBY LEAGUE FUNDAMENTALS
2010 NZRL INTERNATIONAL GAMES COACH

Lorina Papalii

Lorina Papalii Nickname Lori Position Second Row, Loosey Date of Birth 16/01/1977 Birthplace Waikato Height 160cm Nationality Samoan/Eurpean Junior Club/s Richmond Rovers Role Models Anyone that...

www.richmondroversrugbyleague.com

 

[mt.wellington]

Former Kiwi Fern Lorina Papali’i back​

Luisa Avaiki believes the inaugural NRL women’s premiership is a big “opportunity” for women playing in NZ.
All Lorina Papali’i wanted to do was be a trainer for the inaugural Warriors women’s team, but it was confirmed on Wednesday she’d cracked the squad.

The 41-year old-mother of Warriors’ second rower, Isaiah Papali’i is one of the 22 named Warriors squad for the short women’s NRL season, which will take place during the playoff rounds of the men’s NRL competition.

Papali’i had a glittering rugby league career, playing for the Kiwi Ferns from 2001 to 2010, playing in two World Cups, and also represented Samoa in two rugby union World Cups.

But she spent eight years out of the game, to be involved in cross fit and only put the boots on again when a women’s NRL competition came on the radar.

Initially, she was interested in being the trainer for the team, but was encouraged to give it a go to make the squad.

“I have one life, one opportunity and feel it’s now or never,” she said.

“I was missing in action for eight years and did cross fit.

“But my goal has been hard work this year. I felt like I was hit by a bus.

“I’ve had a lot of treatment, physio, chiro, I’ve hit the pools, I’ve done hot and colds after the game and during the week.

“So there’s been a lot of rehab for me and my recovery is not as fast as the younger ones.”

She said she has been inspired to have another crack at rugby league by her son, who is this week in the Gold Coast, with the rest of the men’s team, preparing for Saturday’s game against the Dragons in Wollongong.

Lorina Papali’i in action for the Kiwi Ferns, whom she represented from 1994 to 2005.

“He’s very supportive,” Lorina said.

“He’s proud and that’s what gives me the energy to get up each day, to make him proud.”

But likewise, Isaiah is just as impressed with his mother, who has been a big influence on his career.

“She’s always at my games giving me feedback. She’s still the master and I’m still trying to learn from her,” Isaiah said.

“I grew up watching her play footy. She was a really good player so watching her and my dad, I was inspired to go on this pathway after being being around the environment.”

If there’s any disappointment from Lorina about making this Warriors squad, it’s that there wasn’t this opportunity for her 20 years ago.

Lorina Papali’i’s 19-year-old son Isaiah is enjoying a breakout season with the Warriors this year.
“For the girls I played with in the past, it would have been amazing to have had this kind of pathway,” she said.

“I feel like I’m representing the past, the present and this team is paving the way for the future.”

The Warriors squad also includes Kiwi Ferns captain Laura Mariu and the experienced international Sarina Clark, who missed last year’s World Cup due to the birth of her third child.

Warriors coach Luisa Avaiki is delighted with the squad she has at her disposal for the inaugural competition.
“New Zealand Rugby League put out some information to the girls about making sure they’d feel good about their decisions if they’re approached.

“But to be honest, I didn’t know how hard other clubs were going until I heard they were engaging with certain players and then some of our players were going over.

“I know some of those girls well and it was never about holding onto them and saying they have to play for me, it was about what was best for them and their families.”

Warriors women’s player Krystal Rota credits family for their help with her sick daughter Nikayla.
The Warriors will warm up for the competition with a match against Auckland in a double header with the men’s team at Mt Smart Stadium on August 10.

AT A GLANCE

Warriors women’s NRL squad: Raquel Anderson-Pitman, Sarina Clark, Lisa Edwards, Luisa Gago, Georgia Hale, Amber Kani, Onjeurlina Leiataua, Hilda Mariu, Laura Mariu, Va’anessa Molia-Fraser, Apii Nicholls, Tanika-Jazz Noble-Bell, Annetta-Claudia Nuuausala, Lorina Papali’i, Kahurangi Peters, Krystal Rota, Aieshaleigh Smalley, Masuisuimatamaalii (Sui) Tauasa-Pauaraisa, Crystal Tamarua, Alice Vailea, Langi Veainu, Shontelle Woodman

Former Kiwi Fern Lorina Papali’i back |

Former Kiwi Fern Lorina Papali’i backNew Zealand Rugby League - Official New Zealand Rugby League website

nzrl.co.nz

 

[mt.wellington]

View: https://www.facebook.com/thewestsidestory09/posts/pfbid031fnYNdoax4WobdjFNuYdAXzdgf3th5kHzbWnbnX6RJQPkcEYvPELqroxQkJKQpFhl​

 

[mt.wellington]

Mother-and-son trail blazers Lorina and Isaiah Papali'i​

Kent Gray Wed 1 Aug 2018, 10:27 pm

Warriors second-rower Isaiah Papali’i insists he takes more tips from his mother Lorina than he gives and knows for certain she has achieved a top-flight footy feat he can’t even dream of emulating.

Mother and son were playing the mutual appreciation game on Wednesday after 41-year-old Lorina joined her son in Warriors’ colours as part of the trailblazing 22-strong squad set to represent the Auckland-based club in the inaugural NRL Holden Women’s Premiership next month.

The former Kiwis Ferns player has come out of an eight-year retirement for the four-team competition comprising the Warriors, St George Illawarra, Brisbane and South Sydney which will be run parallel with next month’s NRL playoffs.

Having retired in 2010 after a 16-year playing career that included representing New Zealand from 1994 to 2005 and notching two league World Cups for the Kiwi Ferns and two rugby union World Cups for Samoa, Lorina had initially targeted being the Warriors women’s team trainer.

But the jewellery company office supervisor and part-time cross-fit instructor couldn’t let the unexpected opportunity to create NRL history slide. And just as Lorina is proud of her 19-year-old son establishing himself as a first choice second rower for the Warriors in just his second NRL season, Isaiah is justifiably thrilled for his mum.

"It’s a dream come true now that it's all come out and she's actually in that squad…I’m really happy for her with the achievement [and what she's] overcome to [achieve it],” Isaiah told NRL.com.

"At the start I was like, 'Oh wow', it's been a while [eight years on the sidelines], so hearing she was coming back, it was a surprise for me. But she has that love for the sport and the passion...it's something she’s always dreamed of.

Have you passed on any tips to mum, now you’re an NRL star?

"I grew up watching her throughout my younger days and she was my trainer back when I was young. So she's more the person who gives me tips here and there. I try to give her some tips but she's pretty much done it all so she's quite experienced, so I look at her more for advice."

How about you playing top-flight footy at 41?

"Nah, I can’t see that to be honest," Isaiah said with a chuckle. "That's a big thing to overcome but for my mum she's had that work ethic for a number of years now so I'm not surprised she's able to play footy at that age.

"She's definitely had to get back in footy nick. She's kept fit over the years she's been away but just having that footy fitness is a bit different to cross-fit so she's been out late at night in regards to training, and out on the paddock [team training]…yeah, she's definitely put in the work and got back to footy fitness."

Isaiah is set to make his 20th appearance in the Warriors critical round 21 match against St George Illawarra in Wollongong on Saturday.

Warriors back rower Isaiah Papali'i.©NRL Photos

He could yet play on Mt Smart Stadium just after his mother on Friday week. The Warriors women have a warm-up clash against Auckland scheduled at 6.05pm (NZT) ahead of the Warriors round 22 match with the Newcastle Knights at (8pm).

Appropriately it's the Warriors 'Women in League' game day at Mt Smart Stadium.

"I was talking to some of the boys about it and that's pretty surreal being able to do that. I never thought that would be something that would come up, but looking forward to it, hopefully she gets picked."

Lorina said her son's rise to stardom had been a motivating factor in putting her body on the line again for the Akarana Falcons and now the Warriors.
"When I think I am having a hard time I think of him," Lorina, a prop or second-rower herself, told 1 News.

“I think 'Keep going, make him proud' – so he is actually one of my biggest drivers."

Mother and son still live together, which mean they literally eat and sleep rugby league.

"He's very supportive. He's proud and that's what gives me the energy to get up each day, to make him proud. I think he [Isaiah] is as proud of me as I am of him, so it's mutual."

Most definitely so, as Isaiah eluded too when he recalled his formative years when Lorina was playing for the Kiwi Ferns, Samoa, and even tag for New Zealand.

"I just remember standing on my doorstep, like whinging she was leaving for camp on certain weekends. [But] the more I grew up, the more inspired I got from her," Isaiah said.

"She's always at my games giving me feedback. She's still the master and I'm still trying to learn from her," Isaiah told Stuff.

Lorina has twice taken her family to NRL grand finals and now has a chance to play in one with the women's decider a curtain raiser to the men's grand final in Sydney on September 30.

How about Isaiah and the Warriors men playing the later game on the final day of the season?

"That would be an amazing dream. I'd love to visualise that happening and I hope we could, but we'll see what happens," Lorina said. "I have one life, one opportunity, and feel it's now or never."

Mother-and-son trail blazers Lorina and Isaiah Papali'i

Warriors second-rower Isaiah Papali’i insists he takes more tips from his mother Lorina than he gives, and knows for certain she's achieved a top-flight footy feat he can’t even dream of emulating.

www.nrl.com

 

[mt.wellington]

View: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=2059487694095613​

 

[mt.wellington]

Mum’s ‘massive’ support has inspired Papali’i on NRL journey​

Jasper Bruce
May 25, 2022 - 6:26PM

Papali’i is preparing to play his 100th NRL game. Picture: Monique Harmer

When Isaiah Papali’i runs out for his 100th NRL game, there’s one person who will be cheering louder than anyone else.

Ahead of his 100th NRL game, Parramatta Eels enforcer Isaiah Papali’i has paid tribute to his mother, former New Zealand international Lorina, whom he credits as his inspiration on the path to rugby league stardom.

Since joining the Eels last season, Papali’i has become known as one of the most versatile and damaging forwards in the game.

He earned selection in the 2021 Dally M Team Of The Year and has continued his strong form this season; after 11 rounds, Papali’i is ranked ninth in the league for post-contact metres and eighth for all run metres.

Reflecting on his career ahead of his milestone match, Papali’i said he couldn’t have reached the heights he had without his Mum’s influence.

Papali’i with his mum, Lorina. Picture: Monique Harmer

Papali’i grew up around the footy field with a ball in his hands, thanks largely to his mum’s career, playing rugby league and rugby union at the highest levels.

Lorina has since retired from elite sport, but remains her son’s biggest supporter.

“She’s been massive,” he said.

“When things haven’t gone right, she’s always been there. And then when they are going well, she’s equally as supportive.

“She’s just been over the moon for me ever since I started playing sport and she hasn’t changed one bit. She’s always behind me and giving me love and attention.”

Most of Papali’i’s family is back in New Zealand and unable to attend this Sunday’s game in Canberra, but some will make the journey from Wagga Wagga, some 250km away.

“I’ve got some family from Wagga Wagga and they’ll come to the Canberra game,” he said.

“I’ve got a few tickets that I have to give out. I’m definitely happy I can play in front of some family.”

In a powerful Parramatta forward pack, Papali’i is a standout player. Picture: Bradley Kanaris / Getty Images

Even if Lorina can’t be at the game against the Raiders, Papali’i said his mum would be cheering him on from afar.

“She sends me highlights of myself on Facebook messenger, so I’m always getting video review before Brad (Eels coach Brad Arthur) has the chance to do it,” he said with a smile.

“It does mean a lot when she messages me.

“Her favourite number is 13 and I’ve been named at 13 (against the Raiders), so she’s even happier than she usually is.”

https://www.news.com.au/sport/nrl/mums-massive-support-has-inspired-papalii-on-nrl-journey/news-story/79c050d11410cd11537697b34a57e22c