Foundation NRLW player Apii Nicholls has been revealed as the NZ Warriors Women's first signing for their return to the competition next year following a five-year absence.
Now with the Canberra Raiders, the accomplished 14-test Kiwi Ferns fullback appeared in each of the Warriors’ six games in the NRLW’s first two seasons in 2018 and 2018.
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Ranked one of the game’s outstanding fullbacks, Nicholls was a finalist for the women’s Golden Boot award last year and was named in the team of the tournament at the 2022 Women's Rugby League World Cup in the United Kingdom.
Confirmation of her signing is the first in a series of recruitment announcements to be rolled out as coach – a two-time Newcastle Knights NRLW premiership winner – Ron Griffiths builds the club’s 2025 squad.
He said 31-year-old Otahuhu Leopards junior Nicholls personifies the type of player and person to build the team around.
“Apii was a crucial signing for us as she embodies the character of person we want at the Warriors,” said Griffiths.
“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.”
After missing the 2020 and 2021 seasons during the Covid-19 outbreak, Nicholls resumed her NRLW career with the Gold Coast Titans in 2022 before linking with the Raiders last year.
She has now made 26 NRLW appearances, the last 15 with the Raiders after five with the Titans. In seven outings so far this season she is averaging 120 metres a game with four try assists and 24 tackle breaks.
“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,” said Nicholls.
“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 here 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.”
The mother-of-two has represented the Kiwi Ferns at two Women's 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 last year’s 12-6 Pacific Championship win over the Jillaroos in Melbourne, which ended a seven-year drought.
After last playing in the NRLW in 2020, the Warriors are one of two teams added to the expanded 12-team competition next year.
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