Family connection in squad named for women’s NRL

All Lorina Papali’i wanted to do was be a trainer for the inaugural Warriors women’s team, but it was confirmed yesterday she’d cracked the squad.

The 41-year-old mother of Warriors’ second rower, Isaiah Papali’i is one of the 22 named Warriors squad for the short women’s NRL season, which will take place during the playoff rounds of the men’s competition.

Lorina Papali’i had a glittering league career, playing for the Kiwi Ferns from 1994 to 2005, playing in two World Cups, and also represented Samoa in two rugby union World Cups.

But she spent eight years out of the game, to be involved in crossfit, and only put the boots on again when a women’s NRL competition came on the radar.

Initially, she was interested in being the trainer for the team, but was encouraged to give it a go to make the squad.

‘‘I have one life, one opportunity and feel it’s now or never,’’ she said. ‘‘My goal has been hard work this year. I felt like I was hit by a bus.

‘‘I’ve had a lot of treatment, physio, chiro, I’ve hit the pools, I’ve done hot and colds after the game and during the week. So there’s been a lot of rehab for me and my recovery is not as fast as the younger ones.’’

She said she has been inspired to have another crack at league by her son, who is in the Gold Coast this week, with the rest of the men’s team, preparing for Saturday’s game against the Dragons in Wollongong.

‘‘He’s very supportive,’’ Lorina said. ‘‘He’s proud and that’s what gives me the energy to get up each day, to make him proud.’’

Isaiah is just as impressed with his mother, who has been a big influence on his career.

‘‘She’s always at my games giving me feedback. She’s still the master and I’m still trying to learn from her,’’ Isaiah said.

‘‘I grew up watching her play