Waikato trio signed for return to NRLW in 2025

Waikato players Mya Hill-Moana, Harata Butler and Capri Paekau have been confirmed as the latest signings for the One New Zealand Warriors’ return to the NRLW in 2025.

They join experienced Kiwi Ferns fullback Apii Nicholls whose signing on a two-year deal for 2025 and 2026 was announced on Tuesday.

Front rower Hill-Moana (22) has been secured for three seasons, fellow prop Butler (31) for 2025 and 2026 and hooker Paekau (23) for 2025 and 2026 with an option for 2027.

Huntly-born Taniwharau product Hill-Moana has played 24 NRLW games for the Sydney Roosters in four seasons so far including the 2021 premiership victory. A Māori All Stars representative for the last four years, she boasts 10 Tests for the Kiwi Ferns since 2020, helping them to the Rugby League World Cup final in 2022 and the drought-breaking win over the Jillaroos last year.

“Mya is a great coup for the Warriors, a premiership-winning representative front rower who we believe will be the cornerstone of the Warriors’ pack for many years to come,” said One New Zealand Warriors NRLW head coach Ron Griffiths.

“Among Mya’s many achievements it was evident when we spoke that receiving her blazer from her junior club Taniwharau was one of her most coveted moments.”