Aucklander Paris Pickering, a familiar face at the One New Zealand Warriors, has returned to the club from Australia as a replacement player for the rest of the NRLW season.
The 20-year-old has been signed to fill the void created by Michaela Brake’s unavailability after she announced she is expecting her first child.
Pickering was a popular member of the Warriors Community Foundation team before taking up a contract with Norths Devils in Queensland’s BMD women's premiership this season.
“We’re thrilled to be able to bring a player of Paris’ ability home to join our squad,” said One New Zealand Warriors NRLW manager Nadene Conlon.
“After losing Michaela, Paris is a fantastic fit for us not only as an outside back but also because she knows the club and people here so well. She’ll be able to settle in quickly.”
Pickering made her Norths debut in the opening round of the Queensland premiership in June and has gone on to score seven tries in seven games averaging 99 metres a game with eight line breaks, four try assists and 57 tackle breaks.
Match: Dragons v Warriors
Round 9 -
home Team
Dragons
8th Position
away Team
Warriors
7th Position
Venue: Jubilee Stadium, Sydney
“A robust outside back, Paris will be a welcome addition to our squad,” said One New Zealand Warriors NRLW head coach Ron Griffiths.
“She displayed great qualities while playing in the Auckland competition in 2024 and her time in the (Queensland) BMD competition plying her trade has seen her game develop.
“We are looking forward to having Paris onboard for the remainder of the season.”
Pickering said her signing had come about in a rush.
“I was at Norths training when I got a message from (assistant coach) Sefo (Fuimaono) asking how it was all going over here in Brissy,” said Pickering.
“Next morning I was getting a call from Ron saying he’d been watching my BMD games and was wanting to bring me home to finish the season.
“It’s all pretty surreal being able to come home and have an opportunity to join the Warriors’ NRLW squad, especially after working for the community foundation and being in that space with our youth and community to now being able to represent the club as a player.”
Pickering lists the Te Atatu Roosters, Point Chevalier Pirates and Richmond Roses as clubs she has played for in Auckland.
Profile | Paris Pickering
Born: December 5, 2004
Birthplace: Auckland, NZ
Previous clubs: Te Atatu Roosters, Point Chevalier Pirates, Richmond Roses (Auckland)
Position: Fullback, centre, wing
Height: 169cm
Weight: 77kg
NRLW debut: Yet to make debut
Current club: Norths Devils (Brisbane)
QRL premiership career: 7 appearances for North Devils (2025)
QRL premiership points: 28 points (7 tries)
Representative: Ahi Kā Aotearoa, Akarana Falcons
