Rugby union convert Cheyelle Robins-Reti made a superb transition to rugby league in 2023, receiving the opportunity to become a dual international with her selection in the Kiwi Ferns’ Pacific Championships squad after a strong season for Canberra Raiders.
Auckland-born and Taranaki-raised, Robins-Reti moved to Hamilton after attending secondary school in Perth and made his provincial rugby union debut for Waikato in 2016. She represented the Black Ferns Sevens for the first time the following season.
The winger/fullback played the first of five 15-a-side Tests for New Zealand against England in 2021 and subsequently had Super Rugby Aupiki stints with Hurricanes Poua and 2023 champions Matatū.
Robins-Reti switched codes and played all nine of the fledgling Raiders’ foundation-season matches as a centre, scoring four tries, recording 37 tackle-breaks and running for 119 metres per game.
She made her only appearance of the Pacific Championships against Tonga, debuting on the wing with 10 runs for 99 metres and a line-break assist in the 28-10 win.
Robins-Reti was named in the Kiwi Ferns’ wider squad for the 2024 Pacific Championships after again playing all nine games in the centres for the Raiders and was drafted into the touring team following the withdrawal of Mya Hill-Moana. She did not make an appearance in the tournament but was 18th player for the clash with PNG Orchids in Port Moresby.
