Te Awamatu product Capri Paekau’s dedication, as much as her talent, ultimately led to an NRLW debut with Parramatta and a Kiwi Ferns call-up for the Pacific Championships in a 2023 whirlwind.
The Hamilton Girls’ High School sporting star was selected for the New Zealand Māori Ferns’ 2020 clash with the Indigenous All Stars at just 18, coming off the bench in an 18-8 loss in Sydney. She made the commute from Te Awamatu to Auckland twice a week to further her rugby league development.
Paekau played for Point Chevalier and represented Counties Manukau before making the move across the Tasman. Following another All Stars appearance for the Māori Ferns at the start of 2023, the classy dummy-half played for South Sydney’s Harvey Norman Women’s Premiership team and earned a contract with the Eels, making five NRLW rookie-season appearances.
Pakeau was overlooked for the two Pacific Championships Tests against Australia, but she made her Kiwi Ferns debut in the 28-10 win over Tonga at Eden Park with eight runs for 42 metres and 16 tackles off the bench.
