Paki, Gray join Warriors

Queensland Origin representative Emmanita Paki, double international Lavinia Tauhalaliku and New Zealand-born Gold Coast Titans forward Matekino Gray have today been confirmed as the One New Zealand Warriors’ latest signings for their NRLW comeback in 2025.

Paki (21) has been secured for the 2025 and 2026 seasons, Tauhalaliku (25) for 2025 and 2026 with a club option for 2027 and 19-year-old Gray for the first two years with a mutual option for 2027.

That boosts the number of signings to eight following announcements in the past week confirming fullback Apii Nicholls, props Mya Hill-Moana and Harata Butler, hooker Capri Paekau and second rower Laishon Albert-Jones.

One New Zealand Warriors NRLW head coach Ronald Griffiths had centre-winger Paki in the first of the Newcastle sides he guided to consecutive premierships in 2022 and 2023, Paki scoring a try in the 32-12 win over Parramatta in the 2022 grand final.

She suffered an ACL knee injury in the decider sidelining her last season but, despite being without an NRLW contract this year, she was called into the Queensland side for the last two matches of the State of Origin series as the Maroons came back from a game one loss to take the crown.

“My first contact with Emmanita (about signing for the Warriors) was a text message asking her: ‘Do you want a holiday in New Zealand?’, said Griffiths.

Enticing the calibre of a player like Emmanita to the Warriors was imperative to our success on and off the field

Ronald Griffiths One New Zealand Warriors NRLW head coach

“Enticing the calibre of a player like her to the Warriors was imperative to our success on and off the field. Her warm nature and team-first mentality are a perfect fit for the Warriors.

“Furthermore, the magnitude of Emmanita’s achievements thus far cannot be understated. Moving by herself as a 19-year-old from Rockhampton to Newcastle and not making her debut until late in the season, Emmanita played a pivotal role in winning a premiership at the Knights.

“Then to come into the Queensland squad in 2024 and play in the decider to win an Origin further highlights Emmanita’s strengths as an adaptable team-first player.”

Nuku’alofa-born Tauhalaliku, able to play fullback, wing or centre, has combined rugby league and rugby union.

In union she has played for Manurewa, Counties Manukau and Tonga while in rugby league the Southern Cross Campus product has come through the Mangere East Hawks and then City – the combined Ponsonby Ponies-Point Chevalier side – in the Auckland women’s premiership. Scoring 15 tries in 13 matches she was the winner of the Auckland Rugby League’s 2023 Cathy Friend women’s player of the year award.

A Kiwi Fern in 2020, she represented Mate Ma’a Tonga in 2022 and 2023 before playing in the New South Wales premiership this season.

Scoring five tries in Manly Warringah’s 28-4 win over South Sydney in August, she was subsequently signed by the North Queensland Cowboys. Since making her NRLW debut against Brisbane earlier this month she has averaged 141 metres in her first three appearances.

“Lavinia made the commitment to move to Australia to play in the Harvey Norman NSW premiership Manly this year,” said One New Zealand Warriors NRLW head coach Ronald Griffiths.

“This ultimately led to her being signed to finish the 2024 NRLW season with the Cowboys.

It was apparent the opportunity to play in New Zealand surrounded by whānau and to inspire the next generation of NRLW players was something Lavinia would cherish

Ronald Griffiths One New Zealand Warriors NRLW head coach

“In round six she would go on to make her debut, having an immediate impact and then topping the run metres (193 metres) in her next game. She’s a powerful outside back who has represented both the Kiwi and Tongan teams.

“When we met with Lavinia it was apparent the opportunity to play in New Zealand surrounded by whānau and to inspire the next generation of NRLW players was something she would cherish.”

Whangamata-born, Rotorua-raised Gray played rugby union while she was at Rotorua Girls’ High School as well as some rugby league before moving to Australia when she was 16.

Attending Marsden State High School in Logan City, Brisbane, Gray played for the Tweed Seagulls and Burleigh Bears earning selection in the Queensland 19s last year and again this season. She made the first of her four NRLW appearances with the Gold Coast Titans against the North Queensland Cowboys in round four last month.

Matekino spoke with great pride about the opportunity to help develop pathways for players in New Zealand.

Ronald Griffiths One New Zealand Warriors NRLW head coach

“When discussing the possibility of returning home Matekino showed maturity beyond her years,” said Griffiths.

“She spoke with great pride about the opportunity to help develop pathways for players in New Zealand.

“A tough defender who will forge a path for those to follow, she is destined for a magnificent NRLW career. After watching eight minutes of Matekino playing we knew she was a Warrior.”

2025 WARRIORS NLRW SIGNINGS

Emmanita Paki

“I’m just grateful for the opportunity Ron has given me to be involved with the return of the Warriors in the NRLW and I’m excited for what the team is going to bring to the competition next year.
“I’m also excited to work with Ron again. I have learnt so much from him at Newcastle and can’t wait to play under him again.”

Lavinia Tauhalaliku

“What a journey! I've grown so much as a player on and off the field. With everything I've been through I've come to realise that the Warriors is where my heart lies.
“I’d just like to thank Ron Griffiths and the One New Zealand Warriors for the opportunity to learn and develop my game in the NRLW for the coming years.
“I’m excited about returning to play in front of my family and joining my teammates and hopefully, together, we can achieve great things!”

Matekino Gray

“When i was approached by Ron I was immediately super excited about this opportunity.
“Then we got to talking and I found out about the potential pathways for young wāhine in New Zealand. That really resonated with me as I had to struggle finding a good pathway to play footy growing up.
“We as family have always been strong in following the Wahs like most of the population from New Zealand.
“I’m really grateful and so excited to soak up all the knowledge in the squad. Ron has already got two titles under his belt and he has shown his dedication and skill set in the game so it will be exciting to see what the future holds for the Warriors in the NRLW.”