Promising One New Zealand Warriors front rower Ashlee Matapo has been rewarded for her outstanding efforts in 2025 with a contract extension to the end of the 2027 NRLW season.
The Northcote Tigers junior began the Warriors’ NRLW comeback campaign as an 18-year-old development player – but that all changed by the time the competition started.
With a number of players unavailable, head coach Ron Griffiths called up Matapo to make her debut against the premiership-winning Sydney Roosters kick-starting a season which would see her play in eight of the Warriors’ 11 games.
She then went on to debut on the international stage when she played both Tests for the title-winning Cooks Islands Moana side at the Pacific Championships in Port Moresby.
“After debuting in round one while still being a development player, Ash quickly showed through numerous performances she belonged in the NRLW,” said Griffiths.
“She displays the traits that we value at the Warriors, great character with a tough mindset and a penchant for hard work.”
A standout feature of Matapo’s rookie NRLW season was her near-perfect defence which saw her make a total of 138 tackles while missing just one in her eight appearances (a tackle efficiency of 99.20%).
Match: Warriors v Bulldogs
Round 1 -
home Team
Warriors
away Team
Bulldogs
Venue: FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton
Match broadcasters:
- WatchNRL
“I’m really proud and grateful to be staying with the club through to 2027,” said Matapo. “The Warriors have backed me from the start and it means a lot to continue my development and growing there.
“The environment, the people, the standards and the expectations drive me to be better. I’m excited for what the next few seasons have in store for me.”
Reflecting on her 2025 season, Matapo took pride out of representing both the One New Zealand Warriors and the Cook Islands as well as learning more about herself.
“It was a big learning year for me,” she said.
“Starting as a development player, my focus was just to work hard and develop my game. But I am beyond grateful for getting the opportunity to debut and play eight games; it was a great challenge for me but it showed me the level I want to keep working towards.
“Representing the Cook Islands in my Test debut was a proud moment for me and for my family, and winning the Pacific Bowl was a very special achievement for our people so that was an awesome way to finish the year.
“Overall, last season taught me a lot about myself, especially around finding balance, having proper preparation, staying consistent and competing at a higher level.”
A common link throughout the year was Griffiths who wore numerous coaching hats during the year, principally with the Warriors and the Cook Islands.
“Ron has played a big part in my development so far. He’s honest, holds high standards and invests in his players,” said Matapo.
“His coaching style is very encouraging and inspiring, and his strong support staff created an environment that helped me grow a lot over last year.
“I enjoyed having him in both systems because he challenges me to work hard and continue growing my game. I appreciate all the opportunities he’s given me, and I’m looking forward to continue working with him and all the staff.”
Matapo was one of four 2025 Warriors players in the victorious Cook Islands team alongside Kaiyah Atai, Lavinia Kitai and Lydia Turua-Quedley.
Profile | Ashlee Matapo
Born: September 20, 2006
Birthplace: Subiaco, Western Australia
Junior club: Northcote Tigers
Position: Prop
Height: 173cm
Weight: 93kg
Rugby league career:
Warriors No: 66
NRLW debut: One New Zealand Warriors v Sydney Roosters, Allianz Stadium, Sydney, July 6, 2025 (Rd 1)
NRLW: 8 appearances (2025)
Representative: 2 Tests for Cook Islands Moana (2025), Pacific Championships (2025)
Rugby union career:
Farah Palmer Cup: 7 appearances (2023-2024)
North Harbour Hibiscus: 4 appearances (2023)
Auckland Storm: 3 appearances (2024)
