Teenaged halfback signed for 2026 NRLW season

“Every conversation and interaction with me and with the club has made an extremely positive impression. Natalia definitely has the attitude to make a fist of playing NRLW.”

Hickling was raised in Goonellabah, a suburb in the city of Lismore in northern New South Wales (One New Zealand Warriors winger Alofi’ana Khan-Pereira is also a Lismore product).

A Lismore Marist Brothers junior, Hickling is also a highly-regarded touch player.

Profile | Natalia Hickling

Born: January 3, 2007
Birthplace: Lismore, NSW
Junior club: Lismore Marist Brothers
Position: Halfback
Height: 168cm
Weight: 59kg
Other clubs: Northern Rivers Rams, Tweed Heads Seagulls

Natalia Hickling Q & A

What was your reaction to signing with the One New Zealand Warriors?

Honestly just pure shock and excitement. Being from Australia, I did not expect a New Zealand team to reach out to me. It all happened so quickly, so I didn't really have time to process it straight away.
When I got the call and confirmation email I was trying to stay composed, but inside I was buzzing. As soon as the call ended, that's when it really hit me. I just sat there thinking: “Wow, this is really happening."
What made it even more special was knowing the kind of club the Warriors are. They've got such a strong culture and connection to their people, and that really stood out to me, because it just reminds me of home.
It was one of those moments where you just feel so proud and excited for what's ahead. It's not just about signing; it's about the new opportunities to grow, represent my culture and club, and be a part of something big.

How did it come about, meeting Ron and how he connected?

I first heard about Ron through my most recent rep coach back in Australia. He mentioned that Ron had been in contact and was keeping an eye on me but honestly, I didn’t really believe it at the time.
After the women’s country championships, things started to happen pretty quickly. I was at work one day and noticed I had two missed calls from a New Zealand number. My heart just dropped. I texted straight away apologising saying I was in a meeting and asked if he could call me back. I kept my phone right next to me, and not long after, he rang again.
The conversation was so casual, almost too casual. He was so kicked-back it didn't even feel real at first. He asked about what I was doing for work, and what my training looked like, but I was honestly shaking the whole time. Ron said he'd be in touch within the next few days to organise a Zoom meeting to have a yarn about the opportunity and what it could look like.

As the Zoom got closer, the time changed a couple of times, and I started to doubt whether I was still being considered. But when the day finally came, my parents and I set up on the verandah and jumped on the call with him. Again he was super relaxed and easy-going – even watching the footy while talking to me. He asked about my goals, where I see myself in the future, and a few other questions.
That's when it all started to feel real.
After the meeting, I was told I'd hear back in the next few weeks. But, within two days, I got another call from Ron with some exciting news. The moment he said: "Were offering you a full-time contract in the top 24 squad with the Warriors’ NRLW team" … everything else just faded – that’s all I heard.

I broke down straight away. It's a feeling I'll never forget. In that moment I realised that everything my family and I had sacrificed – all the travelling, the money, the time – it had all paid off. Mum and Dad were driving back from down south at the time, and I couldn't wait to tell them. I knew I had training later that night, so I called them straight away. They were both so proud and honestly a bit in disbelief, just with how quick everything was happening.

It wasn’t until the next day, when the contract came through, that it all really hit me. Everything was happening so fast. I read through it, signed it, and sent it back as soon as I could. I asked Ron when the start date would be, and when he told me it was the following weekend, I was shocked – it all felt like it was happening at once.

I had just over a week to pack up my life – leaving my family, my job, my friends, everything I’d known – to start a completely new chapter in New Zealand. It was a lot to take in, and definitely overwhelming at times, but I never doubted it. I was so ready for it. This is something I've wanted for a long time, and I knew this was the next step for me.
Ron stayed in touch with me throughout that week, checking in and making sure I was okay, Every time we spoke, I just reassured him that I was all-in – excited, ready and grateful for the opportunity.

What has Ron told you he expects from you and what are your own goals?

From my conversations with Ron so far, the main message has just been to come in, work hard, be yourself and be open to learning new skills. I'm still new to the environment, so for me, it's about taking everything in, developing my game and earning my place within the squad.

My goals are pretty simple – I want to keep improving every day, train hard and build strong connections with the girls and staff around me. A bonus would be to make my NRLW debut this season. But for now, my focus is to adapt to the new environment and to be comfortable and happy.

The decision to come to New Zealand and what it means to be here?

Family is everything to me. I grew up in a small community in Lismore NSW, where everyone knows everyone. I was always surrounded by mob (family) and that's what kept me grounded. Even though I had to travel a lot for sport to find better opportunities, home was always where I felt most comfortable.
So, making the decision to move my whole life to New Zealand was a big one. It meant stepping away from everything I've ever known – my family, my friends, my job – and starting fresh in a completely new environment. 

That was definitely the hardest part. But at the same time, I knew this opportunity was something special. It's something I've worked towards for a long time and I understood that growth doesn't happen if you just stay in your bubble. 
Being here now, in New Zealand means a lot to me. It's not just about footy – it’s about taking that next step in my life and career, challenging myself and finding my feet. I'm doing this not just for myself but also for my family back home. Even though it's been hard being away from them, I know this is where I'm meant to be right now.

Anything else you want to add? 

I'm really grateful for this opportunity and I can't wait to give it all I've got!