Cook Islands Moana international Kaiyah Atai. 24122610
Three Cook Islands Moana internationals have been confirmed in the One New Zealand Warriors’ 2025 squad.
They are Lavinia Kitai, Lydia Turua-Quedley and Kaiyah Atai who have joined the club along with former NRLW players Emily Curtain and Felila Kia and Wellington-raised forward Maarire Puketapu, who has played in the Queensland women’s premiership.
With 11 signings confirmed, there are now 22 spots filled in the Warriors’ roster.
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.
Head coach Ronald Griffiths said: “I watched Lavinia play in the BMD (Queensland) competition and also the Harvey Norman NSW premiership.”
“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.”
Lavinia Kitai. 24122612
Kitai said she 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,” she said.
“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.”
Kitai was born in New Zealand and her parents moved to the Gold Coast in Australia when she 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.”
Lydia Turua-Quedley. 24122611
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.
“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,” Turua-Quedley said.
“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.
“I am so excited for this next journey and to be in this environment with other amazing athletes. Bring on 2025!”
Coach Griffiths said after watching Atai 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,” he said.
Speaking on her signing, Atai said: “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 | 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
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
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
