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.
“At 23 years of age Emily (Curtain) has been involved in the NRLW for four years,” he said. “Although her game time has been limited, she brings a wealth of experience having started her rugby league career with Eagle Vale St Andrews at nine years of age.
“We believe Emily’s tough defensive mindset coupled with her game management will be a great accompaniment to the squad.
“The gratitude and desire to succeed that she has expressed in every interaction gave us total confidence that she would relish the opportunity to play for the One New Zealand Warriors.”
The 20-year-old Kia was with the Knights when Griffiths coached them to back-to-back NRLW titles in 2022 and 2023. While she has a background in both rugby league and rugby union, she’s also a former champion discus thrower.
“Felila is a powerful back rower who I was fortunate enough to see make her debut at Newcastle (in 2023),” said Griffiths.
“After discussions with her she now has an understanding of what’s required to play consistent football in the NRLW. With the right mindset she has the potential to have an immediate impact for the club in 2025.”
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.”
Cook Islands Turua-Quedley (25) and Atai (23) both play for the Richmond Roses in the Auckland competition while Turua-Quedley has also been a rugby union representative for the Auckland Storm in the Farah Palmer Cup.
“After watching Lydia play this season and having several discussions with her it was evident every fibre of her being was targeted at securing an NRLW contract,” said Griffiths. “What makes Lydia’s achievement more significant is the fact that she returned after giving birth to her son Noah to achieve this. She will be a fantastic addition to the squad with a great attitude and penchant for hard work.
“Watching Kaiyah play with the Richmond Roses then the Akarana Falcons it was highlighted in these games that her versatility and toughness would hold her in good stead to play NRLW.
“However, there are other traits that are equally as impressive such as Kaiyah’s ability to break down and reflect on her own game. Further to this, Kaiyah displays exceptional leadership traits beyond her years.”
The 22-year-old Lower Hutt-born and raised Puketapu brings rugby league experience on both sides of the Tasman while she is also a former national softball representative.
“Having softball for New Zealand, Maarire understands the mentality of a high-performance athlete,” said Griffiths.
“She moved to Queensland to further her rugby league career and push for an NRLW opportunity, ultimately being rewarded for her efforts.
“Maarire is a proud Te Ati Awa, Ngāti Ruapani and Ngāti Kahu woman with a strong connection to her culture. We look forward to harnessing that to help with the foundation of our NRLW programme.”
- 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
Emily Curtain on her signing
“I am so excited for a new chapter in my NRLW career and I am very excited to learn and grow as a person and a player.
“To be able to be given the opportunity to come over to New Zealand is going to be great for me to have a new start and an amazing opportunity.
“I am very grateful for the opportunity to be in the returning NRLW squad and can’t wait to see what we are able to produce and achieve in the comeback season.
“Ron and I have spoken and we both want the same thing. Play good consistent footy and come over fit, strong and eager. I am ready to learn/build personally and as a player.
“This is a great opportunity for me and I can’t wait to get over there and meet the team and get stuck into preseason ready for the 2025 season.”
Profile | Emily Curtain
Born: August 7, 2001
Birthplace: Sydney, NSW
Junior club: Eagle Vale St Andrews (NSW)
Position: Halfback
Height: 174cm
Weight: 76kg
NRLW debut: Parramatta Eels v Gold Coast Titans, CommBank Stadium, Sydney, March 13, 2022 (Rd 3)
NRLW clubs: Parramatta Eels (2021-2022), Wests Tigers (2023)
NRLW appearances: 9 (2022-2023)
Parramatta Eels: 3 (2022)
Wests Tigers: 6 (2023)
NRL points: 6 (1 try, 1 goal)
Representative honours: New South Wales 18s State of Origin (2019)
Felila Kia on her signing
“After taking a year off playing footy due to personal reasons, I realised at the beginning of the year I wanted to play again. Being on the sideline and watching all my footy friends succeeding – and although I’m so proud of them – it did give me itchy feet.
“I hadn’t voiced my feelings about wanting to play to anyone, I just took it to God and had faith in his plan for me.
“Then unexpectedly in August, Pete Brown (my player agent) told me Ronald was interested in signing me with the Warriors for 2025 and from then on I have been training harder than I have before. There are no words that can explain how excited I am for this new opportunity.
“When Ronald first hit up my manager, I honestly didn’t believe it. Since I broke my 2024 contact with Knights due to personal reasons, I honestly thought that was it for me in the NRLW setting. Once I had a chat with Ronald it made me pretty teary knowing how much he cares for and backs me as a player and a person off the field.
“To be given another chance to make my family proud, represent my culture and showcase my skill is an unreal feeling.
“I am super excited for this new step in life; it is going to be a bit challenging being away from my family but I have a really good support system and Ronald has already spoken about how he will support all the relocated players. My manager is based in New Zealand, too, and he is very supportive so I know I’ve got this.
“Ronald and I have spoken quite a bit throughout my journey with the Knights. We’ve mainly spoken about me going to New Zealand fit and strong and to simply trust the process.
“Since having a year off footy I know the 2025 season is going to hit different. This one is personal and I can’t wait to have a hit out with the Warriors and show what I can do. I know what to expect and I’m ready for the challenge.”
Profile | Felila Kia
Born: December 29, 2003
Birthplace: Brisbane (Qld)
Clubs: Wynnum Manly Seagulls, Gold Coast Titans
Position: Second row
Height: 176cm
Weight: 98kg
NRLW debut: Newcastle Knights v Gold Coast Titans, McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle, August 13, 2023 (Rd 4)
NRLW clubs: Newcastle Knights (2023)
NRLW appearances: 3 (2023)
NRLW points: 0
Representative honours: Track and field | Australia under-20 representative (Oceania Athletic Championships). Rugby union | Queensland Academy of Sport 7s. Rugby league | Queensland 19s State of Origin
Maarire Puketapu on her signing
“Growing up as kids in Waiwhetū we had two options - rugby league or softball. Mum wasn’t too keen on me playing rugby league so softball it was.
“I was lucky enough to be mentored by some legends of the game including my aunty Zavana Aranga, a former Kiwi Fern and New Zealand softball representative. Through softball I played club, reps and for New Zealand alongside my cousins and friends.
“When I turned 18, I decided to give both rugby union and rigby league a crack in the women’s grade and, from there, the opportunities in league started to come about.
“In 2021, I went to Queensland for a holiday and my cousin was playing for his local club side the Kawana Dolphins so I asked if they had a women’s team I could play for while I was there. That weekend I played for them and had a good game, so the coach asked me if I would move over. I came home for a week, got sorted and headed straight back.
“I grew up on a papakāinga with my whānau so this was a very big move for me to be on my own. We then went on to have a very successful year and I guess that’s where my love for league initially started to kick in.
“After that, I got an opportunity with the Central Queensland Capras and played a few games in the BMD premiership but I got quite a bad concussion a few games in so that ended my season.
“Not long after that my koro passed away. It was a tough time for me and my whānau, so I headed home for seven months. At the time, our local club Te Aroha was re-entering the women’s competition after years of not being in, so I was able to play the season then play reps for Wellington.
“During the rep campaign, I was going back and forth to Australia and playing for Kawana as well. That was a pretty crazy time. I would fly over to play on a Saturday then jump on a plane Sunday morning and make it back just in time to suit up for Wellington in the afternoon.
“People would tell me that I could actually make a good go of it in league, but I didn’t really believe that I could. I was still very new to the game and I had heaps to learn – and still do. “About October last year, the Sunshine Coast Falcons offered me a spot in there BMD side for 2024. At that point, I felt ready to head back to Australia and give things another shot. This year has been a big one for me, I’ve mentally and physically locked in, and my passion for the game just continues to get stronger.
“When conversations with Ronnie started a little while back, I didn’t really know how to take it or if anything would come of it. He wanted to learn more about me, my background and footy experience.
“After some time, I got the big phone call, and I was just in shock. I hung up and screamed: ‘F**k I’m gonna be a Warrior!’ But I was at work, so I had to tone it down real quick. Straight after work, I called my whānau group chat which usually only my mum answers, but weirdly enough Mum, Dad and siblings picked up, so I was able to share the news with them all together.
“I can’t really explain my excitement. I’m excited for the opportunity, I’m excited about going back to New Zealand, I’m excited about being around my culture again but I’m also still quite overwhelmed. I’m looking forward to arriving at the Warriors and giving them the best version of me that I possibly can and to inspire future wāhine Māori to find passion in this game too. I want to make sure that I put in the work and repay Ronnie and the club for this huge opportunity. I am truly grateful.”
Profile | Maarire Puketapu
Born: May 16, 2002
Birthplace: Lower Hutt, NZ
Clubs: Randwick Kingsfishers, Te Aroha Eels (Wellington, NZ); Kawana Dolphins, Central Queensland Capras, Sunshine Coast Falcons (Qld)
Position: Second row, prop, loose forward
Height: 167cm
Weight: 79kg
NRLW debut: Yet to make debut
Queensland premiership record: 12 appearances 2023-2024
Central Queensland Capras: 3 appearances (2023)
Sunshine Coast Falcons: 9 appearances (2024)
Queensland premiership points: 6 (1 try, 1 goal)
Representative honours: Softball | Junior White Sox, 2020 under-18 World Cup
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
Lydia Turua-Quedley on her signing
“I'm very honoured to be a part of the Warriors’ return to the NRLW. I have been working hard the last few years with the NRLW as a goal in mind so to be a part of this for me is huge and just such a privilege. It shows that hard work does pay off but also that there is a pathway in footy for the women here in New Zealand. I had a lot of different emotions receiving this contract. There were a lot of tears behind closed doors but overall I was just so excited.
“Ron had been speaking to me for a few weeks prior, which started during my Akarana season. He was just getting to know me and what I’m about. I was quite nervous on our first call. He pointed out that it’s okay to relax but, like I said, I worked hard the last few years so to have those conversations for something I dreamed about was unreal for me. “Ron is a professional and he’s so knowledgeable. It’s been great getting to know him and his beautiful family; all in all I would say his expectations of me are to just have a crack and to back myself.
“I’ve also had the best support system on my footy journey. I’m a Mum to my son Noah, who turns three next year, as well as having a partner who also plays footy – Paul Roache. So we both have had a few hectic years playing rugby league as well as navigating parenthood.
“Our families have been absolutely amazing with supporting Paul and me, especially helping us out with Noah. I truly believe because of both our families’ love and support, and my little team, Paul and Noah, it is a huge reason why I am where I am today. They are everything to me!
“I am so excited for this next journey and to be in this environment with other amazing athletes. Bring on 2025!”
Profile | Lydia Turua-Quedley
Born: March 13, 1999
Birthplace: Auckland
Clubs: Rugby union | Ponsonby. Rugby league | Werribee Bears (Vic), Altona Roosters (Vic)
Position: Halfback
Height: 163cm
Weight: 65kg
NRLW debut: Yet to make debut
Representative honours: Rugby league Cook Islands Moana 2023-2024, Akarana Falcons. Rugby union | Auckland Storm 2020
Kaiyah Atai on her signing
“Ron reached out to me after watching some grassroots footy I was playing in Auckland. “From our conversations I could tell he genuinely cared about his players and is a real family man which I appreciate in a coach. He made his expectations clear about hard work and putting the team and club first.
“I’m so thankful for Ron and the club for this opportunity, especially as a local girl, because it means I get to stay here in New Zealand with my family and friends and be a part of a high-performance footy space which we haven’t really had here before.
“Just grateful to be a part of this club, carrying on what the players before us started and putting the jersey in a better place.”
Profile | Kaiyah Atai
Born: October 10, 2001
Birthplace: Auckland, NZ
Clubs: Richmond Roses
Position: Loose forward/second row
Height: 173cm
Weight: 69kg
NRLW debut: Yet to make debut
Representative honours: Cook Islands Vaine Moana, Akarana Falcons
