Nita Maynard’s first major impression on the sporting landscape was in the green and gold of the Australian rugby union side. But the diminutive livewire wasted little time in snaring a black-and-white jumper after switching codes in 2017.
The NSW star played six Tests for the Wallaroos and also represented the Australian Sevens team. Gisborne-born Maynard’s efforts for the Cronulla Sharks in 2017 were enough to secure a place in the Kiwi Ferns’ Rugby League World Cup squad. She nailed down the No.14 spot – providing hooker and halves coverage – and featured in the valiant loss to the Jillaroos in the final.
Maynard earned a contract with Sydney Roosters for the inaugural 2018 NRLW premiership, playing all four games for the eventual runners-up. She then started at hooker in New Zealand’s 26-24 loss to Australia in Auckland.
With Krystal Rota back in the No.9, Maynard reverted to the bench for the Ferns’ mid-2019 clash with Fetu Samoa. But she starred in 50 minutes of game-time, racking up 97 metres and 22 tackles as well as scoring a try.
The 27-year-old started all three matches at hooker for the Roosters in the 2019 NRLW – averaging 38 tackles – before scoring the match-winning try in the Kiwi Ferns’ upset of the Jillaroos in the World Cup Nines final. Maynard made a busy 15-minute contribution off the bench in the subsequent Test loss to Australia in Wollongong.
Maynard backed up for a third NRLW Premiership campaign with the Roosters in 2020, again lining up at hooker in each of the club’s matches – including the grand final loss to the Broncos.
After representing Māori All Stars against Indigenous All Stars in the 2021 and '22 pre-seasons, Maynard played four of fledgling Parramatta Eels' 2021 NRLW premiership (played in early-2022) matches then linked with Brisbane for the 2022 premiership, featuring in three fixtures.
Maynard played her ninth Test for the Kiwi Ferns midway through 2022 - playing 52 minutes off the bench and scoring the last try of a 50-12 victory over Tonga at Mt Smart Stadium - before setting off to England as part of New Zealand's World Cup squad. The versatile veteran featured in an interchange utility role in all five of the Kiwi Ferns' matches at the tournament, where they again came up short against the Jillaroos in the final.
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Nita Maynard’s first major impression on the sporting landscape was in the green and gold of the Australian rugby union side. But the diminutive livewire wasted little time in snaring a black-and-white jumper after switching codes in 2017.
The NSW star played six Tests for the Wallaroos and also represented the Australian Sevens team. Gisborne-born Maynard’s efforts for the Cronulla Sharks in 2017 were enough to secure a place in the Kiwi Ferns’ Rugby League World Cup squad. She nailed down the No.14 spot – providing hooker and halves coverage – and featured in the valiant loss to the Jillaroos in the final.
Maynard earned a contract with Sydney Roosters for the inaugural 2018 NRLW premiership, playing all four games for the eventual runners-up. She then started at hooker in New Zealand’s 26-24 loss to Australia in Auckland.
With Krystal Rota back in the No.9, Maynard reverted to the bench for the Ferns’ mid-2019 clash with Fetu Samoa. But she starred in 50 minutes of game-time, racking up 97 metres and 22 tackles as well as scoring a try.
The 27-year-old started all three matches at hooker for the Roosters in the 2019 NRLW – averaging 38 tackles – before scoring the match-winning try in the Kiwi Ferns’ upset of the Jillaroos in the World Cup Nines final. Maynard made a busy 15-minute contribution off the bench in the subsequent Test loss to Australia in Wollongong.
Maynard backed up for a third NRLW Premiership campaign with the Roosters in 2020, again lining up at hooker in each of the club’s matches – including the grand final loss to the Broncos.
After representing Māori All Stars against Indigenous All Stars in the 2021 and '22 pre-seasons, Maynard played four of fledgling Parramatta Eels' 2021 NRLW premiership (played in early-2022) matches then linked with Brisbane for the 2022 premiership, featuring in three fixtures.
Maynard played her ninth Test for the Kiwi Ferns midway through 2022 - playing 52 minutes off the bench and scoring the last try of a 50-12 victory over Tonga at Mt Smart Stadium - before setting off to England as part of New Zealand's World Cup squad. The versatile veteran featured in an interchange utility role in all five of the Kiwi Ferns' matches at the tournament, where they again came up short against the Jillaroos in the final.
PROFILE
Height M
157
WEIGHT KG
61
DOB
Jul 7, 1992
HIGHLIGHTS
Test matches
14
Test points
12
NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS (2023-2024)
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Biography
Last updated:
October 7, 2026
Nita Maynard’s first major impression on the sporting landscape was in the green and gold of the Australian rugby union side. But the diminutive livewire wasted little time in snaring a black-and-white jumper after switching codes in 2017.
The NSW star played six Tests for the Wallaroos and also represented the Australian Sevens team. Gisborne-born Maynard’s efforts for the Cronulla Sharks in 2017 were enough to secure a place in the Kiwi Ferns’ Rugby League World Cup squad. She nailed down the No.14 spot – providing hooker and halves coverage – and featured in the valiant loss to the Jillaroos in the final.
Maynard earned a contract with Sydney Roosters for the inaugural 2018 NRLW premiership, playing all four games for the eventual runners-up. She then started at hooker in New Zealand’s 26-24 loss to Australia in Auckland.
With Krystal Rota back in the No.9, Maynard reverted to the bench for the Ferns’ mid-2019 clash with Fetu Samoa. But she starred in 50 minutes of game-time, racking up 97 metres and 22 tackles as well as scoring a try.
The 27-year-old started all three matches at hooker for the Roosters in the 2019 NRLW – averaging 38 tackles – before scoring the match-winning try in the Kiwi Ferns’ upset of the Jillaroos in the World Cup Nines final. Maynard made a busy 15-minute contribution off the bench in the subsequent Test loss to Australia in Wollongong.
Maynard backed up for a third NRLW Premiership campaign with the Roosters in 2020, again lining up at hooker in each of the club’s matches – including the grand final loss to the Broncos.
After representing Māori All Stars against Indigenous All Stars in the 2021 and '22 pre-seasons, Maynard played four of fledgling Parramatta Eels' 2021 NRLW premiership (played in early-2022) matches then linked with Brisbane for the 2022 premiership, featuring in three fixtures.
Maynard played her ninth Test for the Kiwi Ferns midway through 2022 - playing 52 minutes off the bench and scoring the last try of a 50-12 victory over Tonga at Mt Smart Stadium - before setting off to England as part of New Zealand's World Cup squad. The versatile veteran featured in an interchange utility role in all five of the Kiwi Ferns' matches at the tournament, where they again came up short against the Jillaroos in the final.
fixtures & results
