Apii Nicholls

Captain Apii Nicholls was the One New Zealand Warriors’ first signing for their return to the NRLW competition following a five-year absence.

Signed for 2025 and 2026, the accomplished 16-Test Kiwi Ferns fullback appeared in each of the Warriors’ six games in the NRLW’s first two seasons in 2018 and 2018.

Ranked one of the game’s outstanding fullbacks, Nicholls was a finalist for the women’s Golden Boot award in 2023 and was named in the team of the tournament at the 2022 Rugby League World Cup in the United Kingdom.

After missing the 2020 and 2021 seasons during the Covid outbreak, Nicholls resumed her NRLW career with the Gold Coast Titans in 2022 before linking with the Raiders in 2023.

She has made 28 NRLW appearances, the last 17 with the Raiders after five with the Titans.

The mother of two has represented the Kiwi Ferns at two Rugby League World Cups in 2017 and 2022, helped the Kiwi Ferns to the Rugby League World Cup 9s title in 2019 and had a key role in the 12-6 Pacific Championship win over the Jillaroos in Melbourne in 2023 which ended a seven-year drought.

On signing Nicholls, head coach Ron Griffiths said: “Apii was a crucial signing for us as she embodies the character of person we want at the Warriors.

“She’s a Warrior and when we met with her we made it clear that we wanted to bring her home.

“We have been calculated in the players we have targeted, people with the right character.

“It’s important that all have an understanding that there is a natural order of club, team and individual. Furthermore we will be invested in the community and immerse ourselves in and respect all cultural aspects of New Zealand.”

Nicholls said of her return to the Warriors: "The decision to come home ultimately came down to both footy and family and the support we have back home on and off the field.

“My chats with Ron were really positive too and I’m so excited to learn and develop my game under someone who has such a great reputation.

“The Raiders really welcomed me and I’m forever grateful for this opportunity but I’d be lying if I said I didn’t always want to get home, eventually.

“To pull that (Warriors) jersey on again, it’s going to be special.

“The Warriors is always where I wanted to end up, it’s home. And the opportunity to help grow and guide some of our awesome local talent is something that really excites me.”