Just 48 hours after Michaela Blyde’s signing coup, her current Black Ferns Sevens teammate Tysha Ikenasio has also switched codes for the One New Zealand Warriors’ return to the NRLW next year.
Secured for three seasons, the 27-year-old Ikenasio is among four more player signings confirmed today as the One New Zealand Warriors continue to build their squad for next season.
She is joined by Payton Takimoana, Kalyn Takitimu-Cook and Makayla Eli, who all have rugby union backgrounds.
After five years playing sevens rugby union in Japan, Ikenasio returned home where she had a season playing rugby league with the Richmond Roses in the Auckland premiership before breaking into the Black Ferns Sevens squad in 2022. As well as sevens rugby, she has represented New Zealand in touch and tag.
“Tysha has a wonderful story, her career being built on resilience in taking the long route to become a Black Ferns sevens player,” said One New Zealand Warriors NRLW head coach Ronald Griffiths.
“Included in her journey has been a stint in Japan, playing rugby league in Auckland and going through the enrolment process for the New Zealand Police before her opportunity finally came to join the sevens programme.
“Although she speaks with ultimate pride about her time in rugby, it has been evident in working our way through the process to sign her how committed and ready she is for the next chapter in her life.
“Tysha exudes a club and team first mentality. This coupled with her resilience and drive will no doubt see her have an immediate impact for the One New Zealand Warriors. We’re thrilled to have her on board.”
Takimoana (21), signed for 2025 and 2026, is in the Hurricanes Poua squad for the 2025 Super Rugby Aupiki season alongside former Black Fern Shakira Baker, whose signing with the Warriors was announced in September. She has scored 14 tries in 20 Farah Palmer Cup appearances for the Bay of Plenty Volcanix over the last three seasons.
“After watching Payton’s highlights and her innate ability to turn up in the right spot in attack, it was evident she can sense the big moment in a game,” said Griffiths.
“However, it was her efforts in defence, the numerous times that she chased back to save tries, that really caught our attention and, as well as this, her aggressive nature in defence was impressive.
“After meeting her family, we knew Payton would be a fantastic addition to the Warriors whānau. She’s someone who will be exciting to watch when the opportunity arises for her debut.”
Takitimu-Cook (24), also signed for 2025 and 2026, has played in the Farah Palmer Cup for the Manawatu Cyclones and the Bay of Plenty Volcanix while she made three appearances for the Hurricanes Poua in Super Rugby Aupiki this year.
A member of New Zealand’s gold medal-winning sevens rugby team at the 2018 Youth Olympics in Buenos Aires, she tried her hand at rugby league this year with the Richmond Roses and helped the Akarana Falcons to victory in the New Zealand Rugby League’s national premiership.
“Kalyn took the leap and switched to rugby league in season 2024. Her decision to commit to league ultimately paid dividends with her being rewarded with a contract,” said Griffiths. “Her progression from the start of the year was fantastic. A real strength for Kalyn will be her ability to develop and play a multitude of positions due to her vast skillset. She has an uncanny knack of finding space; this and her attitude make her a great addition to our squad.”
The 23-year-old Eli is a rugby union-rugby league double international. With club links to both codes in the Counties Manukau area, she has appeared at Test level for Samoa’s national women’s rugby union side Manusina and for Fetu Samoa in rugby league.
She has also played for the South Sydney Rabbitohs and the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles in the New South Wales women’s premiership.
“Makayla has played in many different representative teams, including Samoa in both codes and Aotearoa Māori,” said Griffiths.
“However, it was her trip to play with Manly in the 2024 Harvey Norman NSW premiership season that allowed us to see her play in strong competition in which she acquitted herself well.
“Blessed with a natural ability to read the game we are looking forward to working with Makayla to develop a strong mindset. We believe the mentality shift will see Makayla flourish at the One New Zealand Warriors.”
Eli has also been signed for 2025 and 2026. With the five signings announced this week, the Warriors have filled 16 spots in their squad with further announcements due to be made tomorrow.
Those 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 and Makayla Eli.
2025 Warriors NRLW signings
Tysha Ikenasio on her signing
“Honestly I’ve been watching the NRLW from afar for years. I’ve had mates who have played in it, had teammates who have made the switch to league and honestly been in awe of all the talent that has been shown.
“I actually had a season of league in Auckland after I returned home from being in Japan for five years playing sevens. I got to play for the Richmond Roses alongside some really amazing players like Laishon Albert-Jones and Charlotte Scanlan with coach Tash Davie.
“When Ron reached out to me I couldn’t believe it. I was nervous for the first phone call but it was instantly effortless. He hadn’t asked me one thing about league or sport, it was all about me as a person, my family, where I grew up and I knew from then that he was a genuine, good human being.
“The way he talked about building a culture, building a community and just being good people, not only reflected on him but also the way the team culture is going to be built. Coming from the Black Ferns Sevens you know just how important culture is off the field and so hearing his vision for the Warriors there was no doubt in my mind I wanted to be part of that.
“I feel like the NRLW is just growing each year and with the foundation that these ladies and teams have already set, it will only get bigger and better. I am honoured to have signed with the Warriors and to be able to have a chance to wear the New Zealand Warriors jersey. “My family are absolutely stoked with me making the change. They were proud of me and my sevens career but they’re a league family so they are even prouder (now) and no doubt will be at every home game. My Dad and Poppa were the biggest league fans, so I know that it would have been a dream for them to see me playing for the Warriors.
“I know I have a lot to learn in league and I’m excited to learn alongside some really experienced players. I’m just thankful that Ron has given me this opportunity and I’m excited for not only next year but the next three years. Building a great team culture, giving back to the community and inspiring the next generation.”
Profile | Tysha Ikenasio
Born: September 13, 1997
Birthplace: Auckland, NZ
Club teams: Rugby union | Tokyo Phoenix (Japan), Nagato Blue Angels (Japan), Texas Team (United States). Rugby league | Richmond Roses (Auckland)
Position: Centre/fullback
Height: 164cm
Weight: 69kg
NRLW debut: Yet to make debut
Representative honours: Rugby union | 2024 Paris Olympic Games squad, Black Ferns Sevens 2022-2024. Touch | Touch Blacks, 2015 World Cup. Tag | New Zealand representative
Payton Takimoana on her signing
“I was overwhelmed with excitement (signing with the Warriors). Mum and Dad, the whole whānau were super stoked.
“When I heard the announcement about the Warriors going back into the NRLW in 2025, I made contact with the club, sending them my player profile in hope of a reply. To receive an email from Ronald left me in a state of shock.
“It is an honour just to be a part of the Warriors family and the return to the NRLW is something very special for me. For young girls getting to see there is a pathway here at home and being a part of that is very humbling.
“From my first meeting with Ronald I could tell that there was hard work ahead. The skill sets are very similar between rugby and rugby league. Everyone will have an equal opportunity. Train hard and do my job.”
Profile | Payton Takimoana
Born: September 10, 2003
Birthplace: Tauranga, NZ
Teams: Rugby union | Mount Maunganui, Bay of Plenty Volcanix (Farah Palmer Cup) 2022-2024, Chiefs Manawa extended squad 2023-2024, Hurricanes Poua (Super Rugby Aupiki) 2025
Position: Rugby union | First five-eighth, second five-eighth, fullback
Height: 175cm
Weight: 76kg
NRLW debut: Yet to make debut
Rugby union career:
Farah Palmer Cup career:
Bay of Plenty Volcanix: 20 appearances (2022-2024)
Farah Palmer Cup points:
Bay of Plenty Volcanix: 70 (14 tries)
Honours: Rugby union | New Zealand Māori under-18 7s, New Zealand Māori under-18 Ngā Māreikura, New Zealand Condors 7s, 2023 Bay of Plenty club female player of the year
Kalyn Takitimu-Cook on her signing
“I’m beyond excited to sign with the Warriors and represent my whānau.
“Ronald reached out to me a few months ago to share his vision for the Warriors and his plans for women's rugby league in New Zealand. From that first conversation, I knew I wanted to be part of it. He made me work for it over the following months, and I’m thrilled that I did!
“When I signed, my reaction was very emotional – I was at a loss for words and just gave Ron a big hug. Now I’m simply looking forward to what lies ahead.
“It’s an honour to be part of the Warriors' return to the NRLW, and I’m proud to represent my whānau and everyone who has supported me along the way. The chance to play in the best competition in the world while staying close to my whānau is huge for me.
“While my background is mostly in union, rugby league runs deep on my Nuna's side of the whānau. I’m a proud product of Manukura, a Māori kura kaupapa in Palmerston North, but I was born and raised in Papakura.
“In union, I played first-five, fullback and wing, and in the NZRL Premiership this year, I played wing and fullback. Ron sees me as a utility player and I’m happy to contribute wherever the team needs me.
“I’m incredibly grateful to Ron for believing in me and giving me this opportunity. I can’t wait to connect with the team in the new year and put in the hard work during preseason.”
Profile | Kalyn Takitimu-Cook
Born: April 19, 2000
Birthplace: Auckland, NZ
Teams: Rugby league | Richmond Roses, Akarana Falcons (Auckland). Rugby union: Black Ferns 7s development, Hurricanes 2024, Blues 2022, New Zealand 7s Junior Olympics, New Zealand World Schools 7s
Position: Utility back
Height: 170cm
Weight: 70kg
NRLW debut: Yet to make debut
Rugby union career:
Teams: Manawatu Cyclones 2018-2020, Bay of Plenty Volcanix 2021-2022, Hurricanes Poua 2024
Appearances: 21.
Manawatu Cyclones: 8
Bay of Plenty Volcanix: 10
Hurricanes Poua: 3
Points: 74 (8 tries, 11 conversions, 4 penalties)
Manawatu Cyclones: 29 (5 tries, 2 conversions)
Bay of Plenty Volcanix: 45 (3 tries, 9 conversions, 4 penalties)
Hurricanes Poua: 2 (1 conversion)
Representative honours: Rugby union | Gold medallist New Zealand 7s, 2018 Junior Olympics, New Zealand World Schools 7s 2018. Rugby league | National women’s premiership, Akarana Falcons
Makayla Eli on her signing
“I noticed a missed call and a message left on my phone before training one day saying: ‘Hi this is Ron, Warriors NRLW coach.’ I was like: ‘What the? Is someone having me on?’
“I rang back and was hit with total shock and excitement once he introduced himself.
He asked me why I play, what I want out of footy. I told him I enjoy playing good footy, simple as that, and I want to keep doing it until I can’t.
“Obviously there are so many other amazing aspects that come with it such as the relationships and connections, the high performance environment, representing my whānau. But a key thing for me would be, if young girls from where I’m from see me excelling and doing it on a platform such as this, then I hope they feel motivated to know it’s a goal that’s reachable. Even better, to do it in our own backyard.
“So to be involved with the return of the Warriors is special. I’m looking forward to soaking up the experience and being around players who come from high performance backgrounds and learning as much as I can from them and the new environment I’m in.
“Ron has been clear and transparent with his vision for the team and expectations of me which I’m truly grateful for and I’m looking forward to the challenge.
“It’s evident he’s someone who is capable of aiding players to reach their full potential and building a team culture that goes beyond just players on a field. I’m honoured and so grateful to be a part of it.”
Profile | Makayla Eli
Born: September 17, 2001
Birthplace: Auckland, NZ
Club teams: Rugby union | Ardmore Marist, Rugby league | Otahuhu Leopards, Manurewa Marlins, South Sydney Rabbitohs, Manly Warringah Sea Eagles
Position: Halfback, centre, second row
Height: 172cm
Weight: 95kg
NRLW debut: Yet to make debut
Representative: Rugby union | Manusina, Counties Manukau Heat, Counties Manukau Heat 7s, Moana Pasifika, Moana Pasifika 7s, Maui Māori Pasifika under-21. Rugby league | Fetu Samoa, Counties Manukau Stingrays, Auckland Vulcans, Aotearoa Māori
