Warriors winger Alofi'ana Khan-Pereira is preparing to embrace Indigenous Round a little bit differently this year and is grateful for the opportunity to celebrate two of his cultures.
A proud Bundjalung man who has represented the Indigenous All Stars on three occasions, Khan-Pereira is also eligible for the Māori team through his father. In a truly multicultural mix, he also has Samoan and Pakistani heritage.
After spending the past few seasons showcasing Australian Indigenous culture and artwork, this year he will help spotlight Māori culture when the Warriors host the Panthers in Auckland, wearing specially designed Te Arahi jerseys
“I’m excited, it's always awesome to represent your culture,” Khan-Pereira said.
“I can't believe I get to (represent) and I can't wait to play that game and put on the jerseys we're wearing.
“I've seen them and they're pretty cool to put on, so it's going to be awesome.”
As someone who is still discovering aspects of his Māori heritage, growing up with more grounding in his Indigenous side, Khan-Pereira said moving to Aotearoa New Zealand this season had not only unlocked his football, but also seen his cultural understanding grow.
One of a few Australian Indigenous people at the club – with NRLW coach Ronald Griffiths and NRLW player Natalia Hickling also First Nations – Khan-Pereira said he enjoyed sharing and learning about culture with his team-mates.
“It's pretty unique to be Indigenous (in New Zealand) and to take my culture over there … so, it's awesome, the boys really want to learn some of the things," Khan-Pereira said.
“They laugh and they muck around doing the shake-a-leg, so I've got to teach them proper!
“I was pretty honoured to have my mum decorate the jerseys (for the Titans in 2024) and it was awesome.
“I've got some Māori in me, so it's awesome to learn that side of the culture … because I wasn't really big on it, but now moving over here, I get to embrace that.”
Panthers v Warriors – Round 13, 2026
As for the football side of things, after a few weeks where they missed out on the results, the Warriors got back on track with the 42-6 win on the Gold Coast, setting up an enticing encounter this week with the ladder leaders.
Last time they met in Round 13, the Panthers claimed a tight 20-18 win, with Khan-Pereira saying the side were ready to focus on the task ahead after stumbling against finals challengers in recent weeks including the Dolphins and Bulldogs.
“I can't wait personally,” Khan-Pereira said.
(It’s) the best I've ever seen the boys so focused … they’re very keen, very eager and they're all ready to go.”
Match: Warriors v Panthers
Round 23 -
home Team
Warriors
3rd Position
away Team
Panthers
1st Position
Venue: Go Media Stadium, Auckland
Match broadcasters:
- WatchNRL
