Lavinia Kitai

Front rower Lavinia Kitai has been a Cook Islands international since 2022 while playing at club level in both the New South Wales and Queensland premierships.

On signing her, head coach Ron Griffiths said: “I watched Lavinia play in the BMD (Queensland) competition and also the Harvey Norman NSW premiership.

“You could see by year’s end that when she took the field her presence grew with each game. Her coach at Harvey Norman level spoke highly of her attitude and willingness to accept feedback and continue to grow.

“Lavinia has a great attitude to work and will be a welcome addition to our roster.”

Kitai said of her signing: “I was super excited when presented with the opportunity to sign. Ron called me early one morning. I felt so humbled and blessed that he wanted me to join the Warriors for 2025. I'd been working so hard especially this year; I knew if I got the opportunity, I am ready for this next step. I'm so keen and eager to train, work hard and learn as much as I can from Ron and the rest of the team.

“I relocated to Cronulla in May this year for an opportunity in the Harvey Norman Premiership with the Cronulla Sharks after playing earlier in Queensland BMD premiership for Burleigh. Ron happened to be at my game where we met the Newcastle Knights. He was impressed with the long minutes, hard runs, defensive efforts and hits I had made during that game. He contacted me later for a chat and told me he would like to keep in contact and continued watching my games.

“It's a privilege in itself to have the opportunity of being a signed player. To have the opportunity to be signed by the Warriors as a returning team to the competition is even better. I feel it comes full circle to me being a Kiwi and I am honoured and will wear the jersey proudly.

“Ron’s expectations of me are to be a dominant middle defender and set good platforms with powerful running. He wants me to focus on 'effort-on-effort' work and be working hard in and around the ruck area. I will be working hard to ensure I am at my peak fitness-wise for the upcoming season and to set good standards to earn the respect of Ron and the playing group.

“I was born in New Zealand and Mum and Dad moved to the Gold Coast in Australia when I was two years old. Mum's heritage is Māori and Dad is Cook Islander. They are Aucklanders from big families and both families are still there today so I will have such massive support to lean on.

“Rugby league and sport has always been in our family. My dad played for Mount Albert when he was younger. He is one of my biggest inspirations and taught me a lot about the game as he is footy smart.

“When Ron approached me, I was excited to grasp this opportunity with both hands. I'm eager and excited to work hard for Ron and the team and will put my best foot forward.

"Thank you to the One New Zealand Warriors for the opportunity. I didn’t hesitate to be able to play and be coached by Ron as a premiership winner."