Mya Hill-Moana, Harata Butler, and Capri Paekau, three Waikato players, have been officially announced as the newest additions to the One New Zealand Warriors, who will rejoin the NRLW in 2025.
They join seasoned Kiwi Ferns fullback Apii Nicholls, whose signing was revealed on Tuesday for a two-year contract covering 2025 and 2026.
The contracts for three seasons have been signed by front rower Hill-Moana (22) and fellow prop Butler (31) for 2025 and 2026, respectively, and hooker Paekau (23) for 2025 and 2026 with a 2027 option.
Taniwharau product Hill, huntly-bornMoana has participated in 24 NRLW matches with the Sydney Roosters over the course of four seasons, including the team’s 2021 premiership win. She has represented the Māori All Stars for the past four years, and since 2020, she has played ten Test matches for the Kiwi Ferns, leading them to the Rugby League World Cup final in 2022 and their historic victory over the Jillaroos last year.
“We think Mya, a representative front rower who has won a premiership, will be the cornerstone of the Warriors’ pack for many years to come, so this is a great coup for the Warriors,” One
Butler, another Taniwharau product, was born in Kawakawa but currently resides in Waikato after having resided in Huntly, Ngāruawāhia, and Hamilton. She has played for the Warriors at the NRL Nines in 2020, been a Kiwi Fern in 2020, and represented the Māori All Stars three times. In total, she has made 12 NRLW appearances for the Cronulla Sutherland and North Queensland Cowboys over the last two seasons.
“We were struck by Harata’s deep cultural ties and her feeling of pride in her culture from our first conversations with her. “We knew right away that we wanted to return Harata to the Warriors,” Griffiths stated.
Moreover, it has been clear from watching Harata play over the past two seasons that her
Raised in Te Awamutu Paekau played for the Point Chevalier Pirates in 2019 after being draughted by the Warriors NRLW team at the age of 17. He was a product of Waikato clubs Turangawaeae and Te Iti Rearea. She was signed by the Parramatta Eels and participated in five NRLW matches in addition to her Kiwi Ferns Test debut.
“The Warriors made a great purchase in Capra. Her finest years are still ahead of her, but she has experienced representative football and the NRLW,” Griffiths added.
“It was charming to hear Capri express her pride in playing for the Warriors and the significance it holds for her and her family.”
“I was thrilled to secure a contract with the team. eager to experience new things, make new memories, and gain fresh insights into both my character and my abilities as a player.
“At first, I was a little upset that I would be leaving the Roosters at the end of this season, but I am honoured to have the chance to be a part of the team that will bring the Warriors back to the NRL. It will allow me to honour those who were there from the beginning and build a new legacy for women in league in New Zealand going forward.”I believe that setting an example for all of those upcoming young athletes excites me more. They won’t have to worry about having to say goodbye to friends and family in order to pursue their dreams of playing NRLW at home.Moving forward, I’m generally pleased that I’ll be going
“As a proud Māori professional rugby league athlete, I get to contribute back to my own communities through rugby league and return home to my whenua, whānau, and people.”I’m appreciative of the chance to return home in these trying times. One New Zealand Warriors, thank you. Mō te tino tāke te apōpō.Being a single mother following her goals and a career as an NRLW player over the border, away from her home, whānau, and support, has been a difficult assignment. I’m returning home with my boy.
What motivates and thrills us is knowing how our presence will affect Aotearoa’s pathways to develop and uplift our game in preparation for our kōtiro coming through.
“I am incredibly happy and appreciative to be a member of the Warriors team.”It means the world to me to get to play for my team and support the development of the sport at home.The journey seems to have begun a very long time ago. I still remember going to Auckland to practice with the Warriors NRLW squad after school in 2019 when I was seventeen years old. I’ve been putting a lot of effort into my job and waiting for this chance ever since.
“I’m incredibly appreciative to Ron for having faith in me and allowing me to demonstrate my abilities to the team.”
