Anastasia Sekene, a mother of four, and Ocean Tierney, who hails from the tiny Northland settlement of Tinopai, are the latest signings for the One New Zealand Warriors’ 2026 NRLW campaign.
After spending almost 10 years out of sport to raise her family, outside back Sekene had never played rugby league until last year and now, at the age of 28, she has been signed on a one-year supplementary contract.
Centre-winger Tierney (25), who has a strong background in the Farah Palmer Cup rugby union competition, has been secured on a development contract following an impressive transition to rugby league.
Performances in the Kath Wharton Cup pathways competition were a key factor in the signings, Sekene starring for the Auckland Blaze and Tierney with the Northern Swords.
Match: Warriors v Bulldogs
Round 1 -
home Team
Warriors
away Team
Bulldogs
Venue: FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton
Match broadcasters:
- WatchNRL
“The Kath Wharton Cup allowed Anastasia to showcase her skills to be considered for the NRLW,” said One New Zealand Warriors NRLW head coach Ron Griffiths.
“Repeated strong performances in a multitude of positions bode well for an NRLW contract. Since accepting the opportunity her attitude has been exemplary, a fantastic representation of what a true One New Zealand Warrior should exemplify.
“In her infancy as a rugby league player, Ocean displayed great attributes that would hold her in good stead in the NRLW.
“Another Kath Wharton Cup graduate, she is committed to realising her potential. A marvellous team-first attitude, a delight to have onboard with the One New Zealand Warriors.”
Avondale College product Sekene was a high-level sporting achiever in netball, football, touch, tag, basketball and rugby union before stepping aside to raise her family in 2015.
With two daughters aged seven and six and two sons aged four and three, she returned to the sporting arena last year when she started playing rugby league for the first time with the Mount Albert Lionesses in the Auckland club competition before representing the Akarana Falcons in the NZRL national women’s premiership.
Emerging from Tinopai (population: 240) at the northern end of the Kaipara Harbour, Tierney has made a total of 18 Farah Palmer Cup appearances for Counties Manukau and Northland Kauri since 2019 while her rugby league career has revolved around her club the Portland Panthers, the Northern Swords and the Warriors’ Northland academy.
Last year she was named the player of the tournament as she helped the Northern Swords win the NZRL women’s championship title.
