Foundation captain Laura Mariu was the special guest last night to present jerseys to the 18 players named for the One New Zealand Warriors’ NRLW comeback match against the powerful 2024 premiers the Sydney Roosters at Allianz Stadium on Sunday.
NRLW Warrior #1 Mariu led her side to an against-the-odds 10-4 upset win over the same opposition in the opening match of the first-ever NRLW premiership on September 8, 2018.
With the 2025 full squad, football staff, office staff and families in attendance, Mariu recalled her signing, bringing the original Warriors together and the debut match against the Roosters.
Match: Roosters v Warriors
Round 1 -
home Team
Roosters
2nd Position
away Team
Warriors
11th Position
Venue: Allianz Stadium, Sydney
She was joined by NRL Warrior #61 and former captain Monty Betham as both talked about playing for the Warriors, what the club means to them, the pathways now on offer for girls and women and some thoughts directed at the players about their clash against the Roosters on Sunday.
It was a special occasion for new captain and foundation player Apii Nicholls having her jersey presented by her 2018 captain.
Nicholls is the sole player in the squad who has represented the Warriors previously. The remaining 16 named in the playing side will make their club debuts on Sunday plus 18th player Makayla Eli should she be required. And 10 of the players will be playing in the NRLW for the first time, among them four Black Ferns rugby union internationals.
