Signed out of local football last year, One New Zealand Warriors front rower Metanoia Fotu-Moala is in line to spend up to two more NRLW seasons with the club.
One of 16 players to make their NRLW debuts this year, the 26-year-old had a disrupted but impressive season which has resulted in the Warriors taking up an option on her contract for 2026.
There’s also potential for a third season in 2027 due to a mutual option which is in place.
Ruled out of the opening round of the season due to her wedding, Fotu-Moala also had her plans interrupted by injury but made a powerful statement in her five appearances, not least in her first appearance as Warrior #68 against the Titans in round four.
“When Noia scored a try on debut with sheer determination, her physical attributes were on display for all to see,” said head coach Ron Griffiths.
“However, it’s Noia’s personal attributes that endear her Noia to many. Such as her team-first mentality; she exudes selflessness and we are ecstatic to retain her services.”
In her five games, three as a starting prop and two off the bench, Fotu-Moala averaged 32 minutes, 89 metres and 13 tackles (96 per cent tackle efficiency) a game.
"I’m so honoured to learn from some seriously wise staff and players,” she said.
“I’m passionate about the game and proud to rep a club that truly loves this code … and maybe I’m a little obsessed, too!
“I’m so grateful to be re-signed, despite having a shortened season due to injury and personal commitments. This year has been a massive learning curve especially coming from the local comp (in Auckland).
“I’ll be taking those lessons forward to ensure I don’t repeat the same mistakes. I’m hoping to have a consistent season next year and make my mark in the game again.
“If anything, I’m looking forward to building on top of such a dominant inaugural season for us as a team, especially with coach steering the ship for us to premiership.
“I’m excited to see what the next season will look like … hopefully Ron puts me at fullback lol.”
Fotu-Moala became the third sibling to play in the NRLW following in the footsteps of older sister Teuila and her twin Maatuleio.
Former Kiwi Fern Teulia was a premiership winner with Brisbane in the NRLW’s first season in 2018 before signing with St George Illawarra while Maatuleio debuted for Dragons before joining the Bulldogs this year.
Profile | Metanoia Fotu-Moala
Born: January 5, 1999
Birthplace: Auckland, NZ
Clubs: Otahuhu Leopards (2017-2019), Ponsonby Ponies (2020-2022), Otara Scorpions (2023-2024)
Position: Prop
Height: 180cm
Weight: 92kg
Warriors NRLW No: 68
NRLW debut: One New Zealand Warriors v Gold Coast Titans, Go Media Stadium, Auckland, July 26, 2025 (Rd 4)
NRLW appearances: 5 (2025)
NRL points: 4 (1 try)
Provincial career: Auckland Vulcans (2017), Counties Manukau (2018), Auckland Vulcans (2019-2021), Counties Manukau (2023), Auckland Vulcans (2024)
Rep Honours: Tonga 9s (2017), Kiwi Ferns wider squad (2018), Tonga (2022) Tonga 9s South Pacific Games (2023)
