Kiwi Fern’s Emotional Quest to Discover her Identity

October 15, 2023

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Written by Suzanne McFadden as seen here on newsroom Explosive Kiwi Ferns centre Shanice Parker never met her Kiwi dad until her teens. Now the Aussie-born multi-code star is embracing new whānau and giving her son what she missed out on. Each time Shanice Parker pulls on the Kiwi Ferns jersey, it’s as if she’s adding another layer to a journey of discovery – finding out who she is. “So, my story’s a little different,” 25-year-old Parker, one of the most exciting outside backs in rugby league, says. “I didn’t know my dad until a bit later in my life. For a big part of my teenage years, I had a bit of an identity crisis.” But now Parker, who’s spent all her life in Australia, is filling the gaps in her story – learning her whakapapa and connecting with her whānau in the Waikato. And becoming a true-blue Kiwi Fern. Born in the Perth suburb of Yangebup, the daughter of former Jillaroo league star Danielle Parker, Shanice always knew she was Māori. But she knew nothing of her New Zealand dad until she was 11, and didn’t meet him for the first time till she was 16. At first, she played footy for her country of birth – but in rugby, for both the Australian Sevens, then the Wallaroos 15s. But as she began to connect with her Kiwi whānau (she’s Tainui, Ngāti Korokī Kahukura) and switched codes to rugby league, Parker realised she wanted to play for the Māori All Stars, and then for New Zealand. To represent this other half of her life she was unearthing. Now she’s a mother, to 22-month-old Jakari, Parker says the journey is even more special. “It's really ignited a drive to give my son what I never had,” she says. A new language, a new culture, a new family. Sitting next to a pool in Townsville, where she’ll line up for the Kiwi Ferns in the Pacific Championship opener against the Jillaroos tonight, Parker is missing her little boy. When she made her debut for the Kiwi Ferns a year ago, at the World Cup in England, she was able to take Jakari – then 10 months old – with her. Along with fullback Apii Nicholls and her one-year-old, Felix, they were part of a ground-breaking policy introduced by coach Ricky Henry – encouraging young mums to keep their babies with them on tour. This past week, Jakari has been at home in Newcastle with Parker’s partner, former league player Kiah Cooper. But Cooper’s mum will fly to Townsville today with Jakari, so he can travel with Parker to Auckland, where the Kiwi Ferns play Tonga at Eden Park next Saturday. There's no shortage of “aunties” in the Kiwi Ferns offering to look after Kari. “In fact, he's going to spend the week with my dad going to the kohanga reo where my dad works,” Parker says. “My son is really lucky because he's got two of the best cultures in the world – he's Aboriginal on his dad's side, and Māori on mine. “That's why I really love immersing myself in these Kiwi Ferns camps because I'm on my own journey as well. It started once my dad came into my life. So being in these camps really just feels so cup-filling.” When she first met her dad, Robin White, and his wife, Holly, Parker was unsure whether they would begin a relationship. “It’s been kind of a weird feeling, because as soon as we connected, it was just like they’d always been there,” she says. “It just felt so natural and everything made sense in that moment. Now I have extended whānau everywhere I go. It's pretty cool.” The Newcastle Knights scoring star – who’s also a youth worker, studying for a health degree – feels blessed to have a support network in two countries now. “I know it takes a village to raise a child. The girls I play with are a big part of that, but also my partner and his family back home," she says. “Kiah has held it down for us and been so supportive for me to come back into the elite space after having Kari. I wouldn't be here without him, and all of them.” Parker hopes her son will one day look back and appreciate growing up on league sidelines around the world. “Obviously he won't remember going on all these trips, which are a luxury my mum never had in her playing career,” says Parker, who was two when her mum played for the Jillaroos at the 2000 World Cup in England, while she stayed in Perth with her mum’s family. “Mum had to pay her own way, and it would have been expensive to take a baby and a carer with her. “So it's really cool how the game has evolved in that sense of supporting women if they have kids, or whatever they do career-wise. I know we're very fortunate, and we really respect and honour the women who’ve come before us to create this pathway.” Being a kid watching her mother play moulded the multi-talented player Parker has become. “Mum obviously played a massive part in the player and the person that I am today. Six days a week, my siblings and I were at the footy fields – whether it was union, tag or league,” says Parker, who started playing league at five. “There were other people in my life – like my aunty and my nana on my mum's side – who were really important influences around my sport. My aunty [Melanie Wallis] played league for a Prime Minister’s squad, and even my Nana played. Well, not very well, but she jumped on the field with my aunty and mum.” Mum Danielle is still playing club league in Perth: “She tries, she hobbles along,” Parker laughs. It was her mum who encouraged her to leave home at 18 and move across the continent to take up a rugby union contract with the Australian Sevens – turning down a place in the Jillaroos training squad. Having taken up rugby at 15, she could see the professional opportunities sevens would give her. Multi-code legend Honey Hireme-Smiler remembers seeing the young Aussie bolter playing sevens (it turns out they're related by marriage). “Shanice seems so chill and shy off the field, but when she’s on it, she’s a real competitor,” say Hireme-Smiler, now a Kiwi Ferns selector. “She has a massive game face, and she’s right in there. She’s such a dynamic and powerful player – she’s got speed and height, and amazing skills to play anywhere. She's the full package.” Parker started playing league again in 2018, and the next year made her NRLW debut with the title-winning Sydney Roosters. This year she collected her third NRLW crown, but with the defending champions Newcastle Knights, scoring an early try in their 24-18 win over the Gold Coast Titans. “Back-to-back championship victories don't happen that often, so we're in a very privileged position,” she says. “It's just so good to be surrounded by elite players like [NRLW Player of the Year] Tamika Upton, and Jesse and Hannah Southwell. And I'm fortunate enough to have that here with the Kiwi Ferns as well.” Though some believe Parker is now playing some of her best football, she feels as though she’s just hitting her stride. “When I look back at where I've been, my confidence since having my son has just sprouted,” she says. “I feel like I'm paying good footy because I'm having fun and I'm loving what I do. But there's always little areas that I feel like I can tweak and improve on.” But at 25, she reckons she won’t have long to make any modifications. She calls herself an “old girl” now and see her retirement only a few years away. “When you become a mum, your priorities change. I love having my time away and keeping that little piece of yourself alive which is so important. So I'll play maybe another three to four years and then I'll be moving on,” she says. “Well, I say that now.” The next World Cup in 2026 stands as a beacon in her career after last year’s disappointment, when a serious knee injury in a “weird, ugly tackle” in the second game against the Cook Islands ruled her out for the rest of the tournament. Parker wouldn’t mind another shot at rugby – specifically with Chiefs Manawa in the Super Rugby Aupiki competition. “If I had the chance to play a season with the Chiefs, it'd be good for me to be around my Kiwi family,” she says. “But I love league, I love the space. We're all very supportive of each other and the sport has come from a long history of women getting nothing, to now being able to provide a bit more for our families and for ourselves.” In the meantime, she wants to make her mark as a Kiwi Fern starter and establish herself as a leader; she’s just been named in a support role for new co-captains Georgia Hale and Raecene McGregor. “Honestly, when Ricky asked me to be involved in the leadership group, I was a bit taken aback – but I guess I'm ready to step into that role now,” she says. “I've been a part of the game for a long time and I'm one of the older heads – and older bodies –in this very youthful side. So I’m really privileged to be part of the leadership squad.” There are 11 debutants in the Kiwi Ferns line-up for this series, including Annessa Biddle, the NRLW Rookie of the Year and Players Player of the Year, who'll combine with Parker in the centres tonight. “I watched all of our debutants – but Annessa in particular – through the whole NRLW campaign. She came over and started off so hard, like one of the strongest outside backs in the game. Hopefully we'll see a bit more of that on Saturday," Parker says. “We've got so much talent that's being unearthed. I'm excited for the future of the Kiwi Ferns. It’s like the beginning of a new era.” Away from the field, Parker has become a master of multi-tasking. On top of her league training, she works four days a week as a youth worker coordinating wellbeing programmes in schools. And she’s studying for a Bachelor of Health and Movement degree to eventually become a teacher. “It’s all self-inflicted stress really,” she laughs. “My day usually starts by dropping off my son to daycare, going to work from seven till three, then driving an hour to get straight into training. Everything's go go go – it's like I don’t really have time to breathe sometimes. “But being a parent is the hardest job of all. Sometimes I miss out on a lot of the cool things, as I get home from training like around 9pm and Kari's in bed.” But she hopes her son will one day understand. “Having Kari reignited a spark and gave me more purpose – not just in footy but in life,” Parker says. “I love what I'm doing and I hope one day he can look back at this and say ‘My mum was so cool’. It's cool to be able to be that female role model in his life.”

Wheel Kiwis travel to Gold Coast for the Inaugural Leagues Clubs Australia NRL Wheelchair Championships

The New Zealand Wheel Kiwis have travelled to the Gold Coast and set up camp to participate in the Inaugural Leagues Clubs Australia NRL Wheelchair Championships. The invitation, extended by the NRL Wheelchair Rugby League, provides a valuable opportunity for the side to gain experience and further prepare for the 2026 Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup.

The Wheel Kiwis will be without several key players with Jamie Tapp (#8), Kauri Murray (#6) and Nikia Fa’atau (#2) scheduled for international duty with the Roller Blacks. We wish Jamie, Kauri, Nikia, and the Roller Blacks all the best for their upcoming Asia Oceania Championship. Charles Joyce (#5) and Boston Charles will line up against New Zealand having been selected to represent Queensland for the Tournament.

New Zealand will introduce several new players into the squad; Pele Sulusi, Mitch Stone, Jack Brown, and Wayne Chase all selected to be part of the Wheel Kiwis for the Championship with the tournament providing an important opportunity for the Wheel Kiwis to build depth and expand the player base ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

“We appreciate the opportunity presented by NRL Wheelchair Rugby League and Wheelchair Rugby League Australia to be part of this Championship. Our inclusion provides valuable experience for our players as we build towards the 2026 World Cup. We would also like to acknowledge the continued efforts of the Warriors Community Foundation and Disability Sport Auckland for their ongoing work in promoting and supporting Wheelchair Rugby League initiatives here in New Zealand”, shared David McMeeken, New Zealand Rugby League National Football Operations Manager.

Two referees, Jordan Chand and Maxine Godinet have been selected to be part of the tournament. They will be involved in upskilling and the opportunity to officiate throughout the Championship. This opportunity presents an exciting step forward for Wheelchair Rugby League in New Zealand, where we currently have no qualified officials. The experience and knowledge they gain will be shared with referees back in New Zealand providing an invaluable boost to the development and growth of the Wheelchair game.

“We’re really excited to be part of the National Championships and grateful for the chance to test ourselves against some quality teams. It’s a great opportunity for our players to gain experience and for us to keep building towards the 2026 Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup. The energy in the group is awesome, and everyone’s keen to learn, grow, and represent the Wheel Kiwis with pride.” Edie George, New Zealand Wheel Kiwis Head Coach.

The Wheel Kiwis schedule of games:

Round 1: Friday 31 October, 11am – Wheel Kiwis vs. Queensland White

Round 2: Friday 31 October, 1:15pm – Wheel Kiwis vs. Queensland Maroon

Round 3: Saturday 1 November, 10am – Wheel Kiwis vs. New South Wales

Round 4: Saturday 1 November, 12:15pm – Wheel Kiwis vs. ACT

Round 5: Saturday 1 November, 2:15pm – Wheel Kiwis vs. Victoria

Round 6: Sunday 2 November, 11am – Wheel Kiwis vs. Affiliated States

Final: Sunday 2 November, 1pm – 1^st v 2^nd

New Zealand Wheel Kiwis Squad

Inaugural LCA NRL Wheelchair Championships

Jack Brown

Wayne Chase

Ryan Charles (1)

Jayson Hooker (4)

Danial Scott (7)

Pele Sulusi

Slade St. John (8)

Mitchell Stone

Head Coach

Edie George

Assistant Coach

Robert (Tiny) Graham (3)

Manager

Korral Heremaia

Trainer

Lincoln Jefferson

Mechanic

Josh Hirini-Barclays

Media

Wes Osman

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Kiwis make four changes for Eden Park clash against Tonga

Four changes including a Test debut for Brisbane Broncos forward Xavier Willison have been made for the New Zealand Kiwis’ Pacific Championships clash against Tonga at Eden Park on Sunday (6.05pm kickoff).

The 23-year-old NRL premiership-winning Willison replaces Melbourne Storm power forward Nelson Asofa-Solomona on the interchange.

Raised in the remote Waikato town of Tahāroa near Kawhia, the Whatawhata Wolves junior previously represented the Cook Islands after making his NRL debut with the Broncos in 2021.

In 51 NRL appearances he has scored 10 tries, 21 of his outings coming this year when he averaged 111 metres and 23 tackles (95.6 per cent tackle efficiency) a game while making 39 tackle breaks.

He’ll debut alongside fellow Tahāroa native and cousin Te Maire Martin (30), who has been named as the side’s interchange utility in jersey #14.

The One New Zealand Warriors veteran was added to the New Zealand squad as one of two replacements for wing Ronaldo Mulitalo and hooker Jeremy Marshall-King, both ruled out after being injured in the Kiwis’ 24-18 win over Toa Samoa on October 19.

Martin was last an official squad member in 2022 but wasn’t used in the mid-year Test against Tonga. The last of his four internationals to date was the historic one-off Test against England at the Mile High Stadium in Denver in 2018.

Newcastle’s Phoenix Crossland, used off the bench against Tonga, starts at hooker this week while Canberra’s Sebastian Kris is the fourth change, coming onto the wing for the injured Mulitalo.

Predominantly used in the centres by the Raiders, the 26-year-old Kris will be making his second Test appearance, reprising the winger’s role he filled in his try-scoring Test debut in the Kiwis’ 68-6 win over Jamaica in Hull at the 2022 Rugby League World Cup.

Earlier he scored a hat-trick in New Zealand’s 74-0 victory over the Leeds Rhinos in a warm-up match at Headingly.

Kris has come off an outstanding NRL season in which he scored nine tries in 24 games when he averaged 122 metres while finishing with 12 try assists, 16 line break assists and 61 tackle breaks.

The Kiwis are seeking to avenge last year’s controversial 24-25 loss to the Tongans at Go Media Stadium in last year’s Pacific Championships to earn a repeat meeting with the Samoans in the final in Sydney on November 9.

NEW ZEALAND v TONGA

EDEN PARK

AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND

SUNDAY 2 NOVEMBER 2025

JERSEY NO.

NAME

HERITAGE NUMBER

Charnze NICOLL-KLOKSTAD

820

Jamayne ISAAKO

808

Matthew TIMOKO

832

Casey McLEAN

841

Sebastian KRIS

828

Dylan BROWN

826

Kieran FORAN

757

James FISHER-HARRIS (C)

801

Phoenix CROSSLAND

838

Moses LEOTA

827

Briton NIKORA

818

Isaiah PAPALI’I

817

Joseph TAPINE

800

Te Maire MARTIN

802

Naufahu WHYTE

839

Erin CLARK

842

Xavier WILLISON

Debutant

Nelson ASOFA-SOLOMONA

804

Scott SORENSEN

831

Keano KINI

836

Zach DOCKAR-CLAY

Debutant

COACH

Stacey JONES

665

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The Kiwi Ferns team to face Jillaroos this Sunday

The trans-Tasman rivalry is reignited this Sunday, when the Kiwi Ferns take on the Jillaroos at Eden Park.

Looking to claim a win over the current Pacific Champions, Kiwi Ferns head coach Ricky Henry has named another strong side, with an abundance of continuity maintained from the gritty lineup that faced Fetu Samoa.

The only changes come in the form of Raiders centre Leianne Tufuga and Knights prop Tiana Davison, who are injected into the starting lineup. Bulldogs second rower, Shaniece Monschau, will run out in black for her debut off the bench, and multi-code international Tyla King slots in as the 18th man.

“It will be an occasion on Sunday, and we look forward to having Shaniece join our honour roll of Kiwi Ferns,” said Henry.

“This match is always a big one for us, and the Jillaroos are the ultimate challenge, but we have a lot of belief in this group, so we haven’t reinvented the wheel this week.

“We have a lot of belief and we have the opportunity to show this when we play.”

The Kiwi Ferns are particularly motivated, having last got the upper hand over the green and gold team two years ago, in 2023. True arch rivals, Australia remain the only team that has ever defeated the Kiwi Ferns in their 30-year history, so it is sure to be a grudge match this weekend.

Kiwi Ferns team to face Australia:

Apii Nicholls
Shanice Parker
Abigail Roache
Mele Hufanga
Leianne Tufuga
Patricia Maliepo
Raecene McGregor
Angelina Teakaraanga-Katoa
Brooke Anderson
Tiana Davison
Annessa Biddle
Otesa Pule
Georgia Hale
Ashleigh Quinlan
Shaniece Monschau*
Alexis Tauaneai
Ivana Lauitiiti
Tyla King

The Kiwi Ferns will kick off at Eden Park at 3.35pm, followed by the Kiwis clash with Tonga at 6.05pm. Fans will be kept entertained throughout the evening with performances from renowned artists Savage and Josh Tatofi.

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Young talent Trinity Tauaneai joins the Kiwi Ferns squad

18-year-old St. George Illawarra Dragons middle Trinity Tauaneai is closing out a whirlwind season, joining the Kiwi Ferns after making her NRLW debut just 4 months ago.

Tauaneai is elevated from the wider squad following the two-game stand down of Brianna Clark for a grade 2 infringement in the team’s previous match against Fetu Samoa.

Kiwi Ferns head coach Ricky Henry said: “Trinity is a phenomenal young talent who’s already making waves in the NRLW. She’s incredibly mobile, skilful, and has a tough edge to her game. She’s an exciting prospect and definitely one to watch for the future.”

Tauaneai has been a standout throughout the age-grade competitions, representing the Wellington Orcas at the NZRL National Youth Tournament in 2022, where she was selected in the first NZRL Aotearoa Whaanui 16s representative team. In 2023, the Orcas 16s Girls team won the NZRL National District 9s, and Tauaneai was awarded Tournament MVP.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to join the Kiwi Ferns,” said Tauaneai. “It’s always been my dream, but I had it more in my five-year plan. To be there in my first NRLW season is crazy, but I’m so keen to get stuck in and make the most of the experience.”

Stepping into the squad will be made smoother for Trinity with her older sister, Kiwi Ferns back rower Alexis Tauaneai, also part of the star-studded side. Having played in opposition NRLW clubs this year, they are looking forward to being back on the same team.

The Kiwi Ferns squad are now assembled in Auckland ahead of their clash with Australia’s Jillaroos at Eden Park this Sunday 2 November.

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Martin and Dockar-Clay to join Kiwis after injuries to Marshall-King and Mulitalo

Utility players Te Maire Martin and Zach Dockar-Clay have been brought into the New Zealand Kiwis’ squad for the rest of the Pacific Championships campaign.

They replace Dolphins hooker Jeremy Marshall-King (thumb) and Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks winger Ronaldo Mulitalo (knee) who have both been ruled out after leaving the field with injuries in Sunday’s series-opening 24-18 win over Toa Sāmoa at Go Media Stadium.

Returning for his third Test and first since the 2022 Rugby League World Cup, Marshall-King (Kiwi #830) picked up his injury early in the contest but played on gamely until halftime when he was replaced by Phoenix Crossland.

Mulitalo (Kiwi #824), playing his ninth Test, was forced off the field six minutes from fulltime in the epic contest.

Versatile One New Zealand Warriors veteran Martin (Kiwi #802) played the last of his four Tests against England in Denver in 2018. The 30-year-old, with 110 NRL games to his name, can fill the halves, hooker, centres and loose forward as he did at various stages for the Warriors this year.

Hooker-halfback Dockar-Clay (30), yet to make his Test debut, has made 36 NRL appearances for the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs and Sydney Roosters since 2022 while he has clocked up 125 New South Wales Cup games for seven different clubs since 2015.

Like Martin he has represented the Māori All Stars while he and Martin were in the halves when the Junior Kiwis beat the Junior Kangaroos 15-14 in 2014.
Martin and Dockar-Clay will join the Kiwis in camp on Monday when they reassemble ahead of the November 2 showdown with Tonga at Eden Park.

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Kiwis victorious on home soil against Toa Samoa

As seen on nrl.com

The Kiwis stood tall on home soil in Auckland on Sunday as the 2025 Pacific Championships dished up an epic contest

The Kiwis also had to come from behind against Toa Samoa, who led 12-6 after 29 minutes when Blaize Talagi scored.

By half-time the Kiwis had fought back to lead 16-12 and they went on to win 24-18 thanks to a double to Casey McLean and a superb display from Dylan Brown, who clearly revelled in donning the black jumper again as he had 18 runs for 146 metres, two try assists and the match-sealing try.

Casey McLean has played just 120 minutes of Test footy for the Kiwis and already has six tries to his name. The teenager was a constant threat on the left edge and came up with three line breaks and five tackle breaks to go with his try double.

The Kiwis prevailed 24-18 in a thrilling contest with halves Kieran Foran and Dylan Brown combining for the match-winning play. Naufahu Whyte and Joseph Tapine were strong in the middle for the Kiwis and Matt Timoko and Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad combined for 351 run metres.

After missing the Pacific Cup final last year the Kiwis are hell bent on avenging that disappointment and taking down Samoa and Tonga to claim the crown.

With the first half of that mission complete they now turn their attention a week three contest against Tonga in Auckland. Tickets from Ticketek.

Kiwi Ferns come back to defeat Fetu Samoa

Despite a slow start to the opening round of the Pacific Cup, the Kiwi Ferns have maintained their unbeaten run over Fetu Samoa with a dominant second-half onslaught.

Fetu Samoa owned the first half 20-0, but three consecutive tries after the break from Shanice Parker, Ashleigh Quinlan and Alexis Tauaneai pulled the New Zealanders back into contention.

A blinding 90m run by Mele Hufunga to the try line and a conversion by debutant Patricia Maliepo sealed the deal in the eleventh hour.

Fetu Samoa didn’t have any answers for the Kiwi Ferns’ commanding second half, and the match concluded 22-20 to the home side.

Debutants Maliepo and Tysha Ikenasio demonstrated their class, becoming dual international players. Fellow rookies Ivana Lauiti’iti and Shakira Baker also held their own in the black jersey, showing their skills and strength in the physical contest.

The Kiwi Ferns now head into a bye week, before reassembling in Auckland to face the Jillaroos at Eden Park on 2 November. Tickets from Ticketek.

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Six Return For Kiwis’ Pacific Championships Opener

Six players from the New Zealand Kiwis’ 2023 title-winning side return for the opening match of the Pacific Championships against Toa Sāmoa at Go Media Stadium on Sunday (6.05pm kick-off).

Head coach Stacey Jones has today recalled the experienced Ronaldo Mulitalo, Dylan Brown, Kieran Foran, Moses Leota, Briton Nikora and Nelson Asofa-Solomona to kickstart the eagerly-awaited third edition of the Pacific series.

All six were key contributors in the Kiwis’ record 30-0 win over the Kangaroos in the 2023 final in Hamilton but were unavailable for last year’s campaign.

Cronulla Sutherland’s Mulitalo comes back on the left wing with Newcastle-bound Brown and retiring 35-year-old Gold Coast veteran Foran paired in the halves; Foran in a more familiar role after starting at hooker in the 2023 final.

Penrith prop Leota is reunited in the front row with his long-time former clubmate and Kiwi captain James Fisher-Harris while Nikora (Sharks) returns in the second row with Melbourne’s Asofa-Solomona on the interchange.

Making a Test comeback is hooker Jeremy Marshall-King, three years after making his only international appearances against Lebanon and Jamaica at the 2022 Rugby League World Cup.

The remaining 10 players included in the starting lineup and on the interchange were all used the Kiwis’ last match when they beat Papua New Guinea 54-12 in Sydney last November.

One New Zealand Warriors fullback Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad was in the halves on that occasion but is back in the #1jersey on Sunday while Penrith’s Casey McLean comes into the centres after bagging four tries on the wing in his Test debut against the Kumuls.

Sunday’s encounter will be the sixth between the two nations with the Kiwis winning the previous five, the last a 50-0 victory in their opening game of the 2023 tournament at Eden Park.

JERSEY NO.NAMEHERITAGE NUMBER1Charnze NICOLL-KLOKSTAD8202Jamayne ISAAKO8083Matthew TIMOKO8324Casey McLEAN8415Ronaldo MULITALO8246Dylan BROWN8267Kieran FORAN7578James FISHER-HARRIS (C)8019Jeremy MARSHALL-KING83010Moses LEOTA82711Briton NIKORA81812Isaiah PAPALI’I81713Joseph TAPINE80014Phoenix CROSSLAND83815Naufahu WHYTE83916Erin CLARK84217Nelson ASOFA-SOLOMONA80418Xavier WILLISON*Debutant19Keano KINI83620Scott SORENSEN83121Sebastian KRIS828COACHStacey JONES665*denotes debutant

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Kiwi Ferns team named to face Fetu Samoa

The Kiwi Ferns will look to retain their unbeaten run against Fetu Samoa when they meet at Go Media Stadium this Sunday for the first round of the 2025 Pacific Championship.

The Kiwi Ferns aren’t complacent about the challenge ahead, though, with Head Coach Ricky Henry reiterating the strength of the Samoan side.

“They are going to be tough. They have some great players through the middle and big outside backs, so it’s not going to be an easy game. We’re treating them with a lot of respect and expect the best from them, to get the best out of us,” said Henry.

The presence of four NRLW Captains in the Warriors Apii Nicholls, Titans Georgia Hale, Dragons Raecene McGregor, and Bulldogs Angelina Taekaraanga-Katoa will bolster the Kiwi Ferns’ confidence and provide stability and leadership across the park.

This will be key for supporting the four talented debutants for their first run in the black jersey.

Henry said: “There has been a lot of hype around our rookies, and when you see how they train and what they can do, you can understand why.

“This has been one of the best starts we’ve had to a campaign. The team is rearing to go, and we look forward to seeing them rip in on Sunday.”

The Kiwi Ferns kick off against Fetu Samoa this Sunday 19 October at 3.35pm, followed by the Kiwis v Toa Samoa at 6.05pm. Tickets available from Ticketek.

Kiwi Ferns Squad to face Fetu Samoa

Apii Nicholls
Shanice Parker
Abigail Roache
Mele Hufuga
Tysha Ikensio*
Patricia Maliepo*
Raecene McGregor (Co-Captain)
Angelina Teakaraanga-Katoa
Brooke Anderson
Brianna Clarke
Annessa Biddle
Shakira Baker*
Georgia Hale (Co-Captain)
Ashleigh Quinlan
Otesa Pule
Alexis Tauaneai
Ivana Lauiti’iti*
Tiana Davison

*denotes debutant

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NRLW Premiership-winning coach joins Kiwi Ferns

Still riding the high of taking out the NRLW Premiership with the Brisbane Broncos, Ana Fotu has joined the Kiwi Ferns as an assistant coach for their Pacific Championships campaign.

A highly acclaimed coach in the academy space, Fotu stepped into the Assistant Coach role with the Broncos this season, driving improvements in their defensive systems.

Fotu is glad for the opportunity to be back in New Zealand and to connect with the Kiwi Ferns team and management.

“I moved away from Auckland, my place of birth, over 20 years ago and having the opportunity to return home and reconnect again has me feeling what I’ve seen already – #ItRunsDeep – it’s running real deep for me joining this campaign. Back to my roots,” said Fotu.

Kiwi Ferns Head Coach Ricky Henry said: “I’m beyond proud to see one of our own, Ana, coaching at the NRLW level – her journey has been truly inspiring to watch! She is a coach on the rise and someone who can take the next step.”

Before this whirlwind season with the Broncos NRLW team, Fotu was the Head Coach of the Broncos Academy, influencing the women’s game across multiple levels. She has also coached many Queensland age-grade teams to success, as well as holding roles as an NRL Game Development Officer, Coach Developer and volunteering her time with the community game.

Her relentless work developing women’s rugby league in Queensland earned her the Female Contribution to the Game Award in 2023.

The Kiwi Ferns kick off their Pacific Championships campaign this Sunday at Go Media Stadium against Fetu Samoa.

Kiwi Ferns Coaching Group

Head Coach: Ricky Henry

Assistant Coaches: Andrew Auimatagi, David Faiumu, Ana Fotu

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Counties dominate National Men’s & Women’s Premiership finals

National Men’s Premiership

GRAND FINAL: Counties Manukau Stingrays vs Canterbury Bulls

Final score: Counties Manukau 46-0

Counties Manukau came out firing from the kick-off, dominating through the middle of the park with their powerful forward pack and slick ball-handling. Winger Toaiti Ramsay opened the scoring in the fourth minute, setting the tone for a clinical performance. The Stingrays added two more tries before halftime through hooker Dylan Tavita and captain Jamel Hunt, heading into the break with an 18-0 lead. Canterbury struggled to retain possession and keep out the relentless Counties attack.

The second half saw more of the same, with Counties continuing their dominance while shutting out the Bulls. Ramsay and Hunt both finished with doubles, while fullback William Fakatoumafi slotted seven conversions in an excellent kicking display, all to seal the victory and National Premiership title for the Stingrays.

Sky Sport National Women’s Premiership

GRAND FINAL: Counties Manukau Stingrays vs Akarana Falcons

Final score: Counties Manukau 40-8

Captain Onjeurlina Leiataua-Hunt opened the scoring in the fifth minute, giving Counties the early momentum. From there, the Stingrays piled on four more unanswered tries in a dominant first half, breaking through Akarana’s defensive line with powerful running and sharp execution. The score was 26–0 at the break.

Counties struck first again in the second half, but a series of consecutive errors allowed Akarana to gain some traction. The Falcons capitalised with tries to young fullback Malena Lavea and halfback Anastasia Sekene. However, Counties quickly regained control, finishing strong with two more tries. Centre Wati Delailomaloma and winger Dayna Moon both crossed for doubles, sealing a convincing victory and capping off a standout campaign for the Stingrays, like their male counterparts.

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New Zealand Rugby League proudly presents: Josh Tatofi & Savage live at Eden Park doubleheader

Get ready for an unforgettable day of rugby league, culture, and music as New Zealand Rugby League proudly brings together two of the Pacific’s best musical talents, Josh Tatofi and Savage, for live performances at the Eden Park doubleheader.

The highly anticipated doubleheader will take place on Sunday November 2, featuring the Kiwi Ferns vs Australia and the Kiwis vs Tonga, two massive matchups that promise fierce rivalry and world-class footy.

The stage will come alive with the melodies and anthems of Hawai’i’s island soul star Josh Tatofi and Aotearoa’s very own hip-hop hero Savage.

Josh Tatofi is the current torchbearer of Polynesian music, a Grammy-nominated vocalist known for his fusion of traditional Hawaiian and Polynesian music with R&B, reggae, and island soul. His music resonates across generations, drawing listeners in with his smooth vocals and rich storytelling.

Sharing the stage is Savage, one of Aotearoa’s most iconic hip-hop artists. Savage has dominated charts with hits like “Swing”, “Freaks”, and “Moonshine”, and he brings a legendary stage presence that gets the crowd moving every time.

Together, Josh Tatofi and Savage will cap off an incredible day of rugby league action with a one-of-a-kind concert experience, celebrating the spirit of Aotearoa and the Pacific.

Don’t miss this landmark event at Eden Park on Sunday November 2, tickets available now at Ticketek.

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