Cook Islands league star Apii Nicholls re-signs with Warriors

There are hopes a revamped women's team for the Warriors will be a boost for the game locally and in the Pacific.

Cook Islands fullback Apii Nicholls (Takuvaine, Rarotonga) is returning from a stint with the Canberra Raiders to play for next year's Warriors season.

“I couldn’t believe that I was one of the first signings, but I’m super excited to come back home and be with the family.

“I’m also excited for the new challenges that I’ll face with the club, there’ll be a lot of new girls that I’ve never played with, so I’m really looking forward to that.

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

Nicholls has made 26 NRLW appearances and was a foundation player and vice-captain of the Canberra Raiders for the past two seasons.

NRLW Warriors coach Ron Griffiths said Nicholls was an important contract for the team.

“Apii was a crucial signing for us as she embodies the character of [the] person we want at the Warriors.”

The 31-year-old has 14 tests to her name as a Kiwi Fern and has played at two Rugby League World Cups, being named in the team of the tournament in 2022.

Nicholls was a finalist for the women’s Golden Boot award last year, and averaged 120 metres a game this season with four try assists and 24 tackle breaks.

Raiders NRLW coach Darrin Borthwick said Nicholls would be remembered for her “wonderful contribution” to the team.

“Apii joined us for our inaugural season in 2023 and her professionalism and leadership has helped us establish the foundations for years to come.”

Coming home

Nicholls has represented several clubs in Aotearoa New Zealand: Otahuhu Leopards, Manurewa Marlins, Papakura Sisters, and Richmond Roses.

Speaking to Ernestina Bonsu Maro on PMN Cook Islands, Nicholls is keen to reconnect with the local clubs and share her experience with younger players who are moving up through the ranks.

“The game has grown, the quality of the game is a lot better than what it used to be when I was a younger child.”

She admitted juggling her family life as a mother of two but is grateful to her partner and extended family for helping out.

"I've got my partner here this year, so that's been a huge help. He sacrificed his job to be with me full-time so that while I'm training, he can take care of our kid. But also with my older boy, with his Dad and their families taking care of him while I'm here as well."

Between seasons, Nicholls worked with the New Zealand Police.

“I’m truly grateful for the time they let me have off work … They've been so supportive of my sporting career.”

Looking ahead

After a final few weeks with the Raiders, Nicholls is looking forward to returning to New Zealand, and hopes to grow the game in Aotearoa and beyond.

“We have some much talent back at home and I want them to have the same opportunity that I have here in Australia, and hopefully one day we can take this to the Cook Islands as well.”

Nicholls said coaching the Cook Islands team could be a future possibility.

“The older I’ve gotten, that’s definitely been on my mind as well, that maybe I would look into the coaching space.

“I definitely need some training and tips from some of the experienced coaches, but I think that’ll definitely be something that I will look forward to.”

The Warriors are one of two teams added to the expanded 12-team competition next year, after a hiatus since 2020.

Other signees include Waikato trio Mya Hill-Moana, Harata Butler, and Capri Paekau, and second rower Laishon Albert-Jones.

The Raiders will take on the Titans on Sunday in Sydney for the final round, before the semi-finals the following weekend.

Watch the full interview on PMN Cook Islands.