Waikato trio signed for return to NRLW in 2025

Waikato players Mya Hill-Moana, Harata Butler and Capri Paekau have been confirmed as the latest signings for the One New Zealand Warriors’ return to the NRLW in 2025.

They join experienced Kiwi Ferns fullback Apii Nicholls whose signing on a two-year deal for 2025 and 2026 was announced on Tuesday.

Front rower Hill-Moana (22) has been secured for three seasons, fellow prop Butler (31) for 2025 and 2026 and hooker Paekau (23) for 2025 and 2026 with an option for 2027.

Huntly-born Taniwharau product Hill-Moana has played 24 NRLW games for the Sydney Roosters in four seasons so far including the 2021 premiership victory. A Māori All Stars representative for the last four years, she boasts 10 Tests for the Kiwi Ferns since 2020, helping them to the Rugby League World Cup final in 2022 and the drought-breaking win over the Jillaroos last year.

“Mya is a great coup for the Warriors, a premiership-winning representative front rower who we believe will be the cornerstone of the Warriors’ pack for many years to come,” said One New Zealand Warriors NRLW head coach Ron Griffiths.

“Among Mya’s many achievements it was evident when we spoke that receiving her blazer from her junior club Taniwharau was one of her most coveted moments.”

While born in Kawakawa, Waikato is home for Butler – another Taniwharau product – having lived in Huntly, Ngāruawāhia and Hamilton. She has made a total of 12 NRLW appearances for the Cronulla Sutherland and the North Queensland Cowboys over the last two seasons while she has represented the Māori All Stars three times, been a Kiwi Fern in 2020 and played for the Warriors at the NRL Nines the same year.

“In initial discussions with Harata we got an immediate sense of her strong cultural connection and the pride she has in her culture. We knew immediately that we wanted to bring Harata home to the Warriors,” said Griffiths.

“Further to this, over the last two seasons it has been evident watching Harata play that her experience will be invaluable to setting the tone at the Warriors.”

Te Awamutu-raised Paekau came through Waikato clubs Turangawaeae and Te Iti Rearea, trained with the Warriors’ NRLW squad as a 17-year-old in 2019 and played for the Point Chevalier Pirates. Signed by the Parramatta Eels, she played five NRLW games last year and also made her Test debut for the Kiwi Ferns.

“Capri is a wonderful acquisition for the Warriors. She has had a taste of the NRLW and representative football with her best years ahead of her,” said Griffiths.

“When speaking with Capri, the pride that was portrayed by her about playing with the Warriors, and what it would mean to her and her whānau, was endearing.”

2025 WARRIORS NRLW SIGNINGS

Mya Hill-Moana

“My reaction to signing with the club was exciting. Excited for the new things to come, creating new memories and learning more about myself personally and as a player.
“Initial feelings were a bit sad in the fact that I will be finishing up at the Roosters at the end of this season but having the opportunity to be a part of the team that will see the Warriors return (to the NRL) is honourable, being able to represent those that were there at the start and beginning a new legacy for women in league in New Zealand going forward. 
“I think I'm more excited about paving the pathway for all those young athletes that are up and coming. They can aspire to play NRLW right at home and not have that fear that they'll have to leave family and friends to live their dream. 
“Going forward I'm all-round happy that I'll be heading back home to play after coming back and forth to Australia for the past five years. It's going to be a bit of a change for me but I'm not mad about the decision I've made. I will finish this year off the best I can for my Chooks and will head home to start my new journey.”

Harata Butler

“I get to come home to my whenua, my whānau and my people, and give back to my own communities through rugby league as a proud Māori professional rugby league athlete.
“In these times we face, I'm grateful for this opportunity to come home. Thank you, One New Zealand Warriors. Mō te apōpō te tino tāke.
“It has been a tough gig being a single mama chasing her dreams and pursuing a career as an NRLW player across the ditch away from her home, whānau and support. My boy and me are coming home.
"Knowing the impact that our presence is going to have on our pathways in Aotearoa to grow and strengthen our game for our kōtiro coming through is what excites and drives me for what's ahead.
"As Luke Whaanga sang: ‘Hoki mai ki ūkaipō’ … we’re coming home. Can't wait our Warriors whānau.”

Capri Paekau

“I’m beyond thrilled and grateful to be part of the Warriors squad.
“The chance to represent my team and help grow the sport back home means the world to me.
“It’s a journey that feels like it started a long time ago. I still recall travelling to Auckland as a 17-year-old after school to train with the Warriors NRLW squad during the 2019 season. Ever since then, I’ve been working hard and waiting for this opportunity.
“I’m very grateful to Ron for believing in me and giving me the chance to show what I can bring to the team.”