Warrior women
Lorina Papali'i joins son in representing club after signing for new competition
A22-strong squad laden with current and former Kiwi Ferns was unveiled yesterday to represent the Warriors in the inaugural NRL women's premiership next month.
With former Kiwi Fern Lorina Papali'i (41) signed, the Warriors create rugby league history with a mother and son representing one club at the same time.
Lorina's son, Isaiah (19), has this year established himself as a firstchoice second rower in his second season in the NRL.
Among the others confirmed are Kiwi Ferns captain Laura Mariu and another legendary international Sarina Clark (nee Fiso).
Mariu, who was made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit in the Queen's Birthday awards, had contemplated retirement after the 2017 World Cup but returned this season to help the Counties Manukau Stingrays to win the national final. She was also a key figure as the Manurewa Marlins beat the Richmond Roses in the Auckland women's
grand final last Sunday.
Clark missed the World Cup last year to have her third child. She returned to the field recently and signed with the Warriors this week.
“This is such an exciting day for our club and for rugby league in this country,” said Warriors general manager football Brian Smith.
“We were thrilled to bring Luisa [Avaiki] on board as the first women's coach in the NRL and today we take another step forward with the announcement of our squad comprising solely New Zealand players. We have a group of talented players who are just so excited about being involved in this shot at history.”