Warriors sign rookie Christabelle Onesemo-Tuilaepa for NRLW season

Rookie Onesemo-Tuilaepa signed for 2026 NRLW season

Author: Richard Becht & photosport.nz
Timestamp: Fri 3 Jul 2026, 11:59 AM

A little more than a week ago Christabelle Onesemo-Tuilaepa didn’t have a contract but on Sunday she is set to make her NRLW debut in the One New Zealand Warriors’ 2026 season opener against Canterbury Bankstown in Hamilton.

The 21-year-old back rower was named on the team’s interchange bench just days after being secured as one of the club’s supplementary players.

Together with her twin sister Demielle she has been training with the Warriors opening the way for her to become not only a late signing but to also earn her NRLW debut.

“A tough as teak backrower, Christabelle was afforded an opportunity to train with the NRLW squad after playing in the Kath Wharton Cup,” said One New Zealand Warriors head coach Ron Griffiths.

“Since arriving at HQ, Belles has continued to impress. Being raw in her knowledge of the game has not hindered her. Moreover, her tough work ethic and unflappable character have held her in great stead, being able to adapt and learn our systems quickly.”

Round 1 - Round 1 - Sunday 5 Jul

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Venue: FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton

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Onesemo-Tuilaepa has a background in both rugby league and rugby union.

At the age of only 14 Christabelle and Demielle became the youngest players ever selected for the Manusina Samoa rugby union team and both went on the represent Samoa at the women’s Rugby World Cup in England last year.

Playing rugby league for the Richmond Roses in Auckland, Christabelle has represented the Akarana Falcons at provincial level and was selected in the NZRL Ahi Kāa under-19 team in 2024.

She is one of numerous players in the Warriors’ 2026 NRLW squad who have played in the Kath Wharton Cup, a pathways initiative jointly introduced by the Auckland Rugby League and the One New Zealand Warriors.