Just over eight months after being launched as a new pathways opportunity, the Kath Wharton Cup has already paid big dividends for the One New Zealand Warriors’ NRLW squad.
The competition, a collaboration between the Auckland and Rugby League and the One New Zealand Warriors, was designed to give current, former and aspiring NRLW players a chance to develop their careers.
Run for the first time earlier this year, it provided the springboard for no fewer than four players to earn 2026 NRLW contracts with the Warriors.
More than that, two of those signings – halfback Jay Huriwai and back rower Christabelle Onesemo-Tuilaepa – will make their NRLW debuts in the Warriors' season-opener against the Bulldogs at FMG Stadium Waikato in Hamilton tomorrow.
Match: Warriors v Bulldogs
Round 1 -
home Team
Warriors
away Team
Bulldogs
Venue: FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton
Match broadcasters:
- WatchNRL
Huriwai, a Wallaroos rugby union international, was signed as a top 24 player in April while Onesemo-Tuilaepa inked a contract as a supplementary player only last week.
Outside back Anastasia Sekene also secured a supplementary contract while winger Ocean Tierney was signed as a development player.
On signing Huriwai, One New Zealand Warriors head coach Ron Griffiths said: “Jay made a significant personal sacrifice by moving herself from Australia of her own volition.
“In our initial discussion there were no guarantees that she would secure an NRLW contract only an opportunity to play in the Kath Wharton and possibly secure a contract.
“Jay’s resolve to succeed has paid her back. We are elated she has earned her opportunity, and the sacrifice she has made speaks volumes for her character.”
Of the Warriors’ side facing the Bulldogs tomorrow Laishon Albert-Jones, Gayle Broughton, Tysha Ikenasio, Ashlee Matapo, Apii Nicholls and Patricia Maliepo as well as Kaiyah Atai (injured) and Ivana Lauititii (suspended this week) all played in the Kath Wharton Cup.
Another five players have all trained with the Warriors during the preseason after playing in the competition – Jodeci Joseph, Paulia Morris-Ponga, Demielle Onesemo-Tuilaepa, Lourdes Tuiala and foundation NRLW Warrior Onjeurlina Hunt (sister of NRL centre Ali Leiataua).
