From NRL great to proud dad: Ali Lauiti’iti celebrates daughter’s rise with the Warriors

Rugby league legend Aliimatagi ‘Ali’ Lauiti’iti says he is filled with pride as his daughter Ivana commits her future to the New Zealand Warriors after a standout debut season in the National Rugby League Women’s Premiership (NRLW).

Nineteen-year-old Ivana made six appearances this year and emerged as one of the breakout stars in the Warriors’ return to the competition. She scored two tries, averaged 105 metres per game, and delivered the NRLW’s tackle of the year in the team’s round 11 win over the Wests Tigers.

Lauiti’iti, a former representative for the New Zealand Kiwis and Toa Sāmoa, says watching his daughter pull on the black jersey for the first time was a special moment for their family.

“Obviously, as a father, as a parent, I’m really excited,” he tells Tuilagi William Leolahi on Pacific Huddle. “It’s always good to see your kids do well and pursue what they dream to do.”

The proud father says he reminds his daughter to stay grounded, keep learning, and show gratitude.

“You’re there to learn but also to continue to better yourself in whatever field you’re in,” he says. “God’s given her talent, it’s another opportunity to showcase but also to thank Him always and acknowledge Him.”

Lauiti’iti played for the Warriors for six seasons before moving to England to represent the Leeds Rhinos and Wakefield Trinity Wildcats, where he won five Super League titles before retiring in 2015. He represented New Zealand and Sāmoa in the early 2000s.

His accolades include being named the NRL’s second-rower of the year in 2002 and being inducted into the Leeds Rhinos Hall of Fame in 2024. Lauiti’iti returned to the Warriors in 2024 as the team’s chaplain and says faith continues to keep him grounded while also fostering cultural values and resilience in others.

Ali Laiti'iti defends the ball for the New Zealand Warriors against the Parramatta Eels in 2001. Photo/Photosport

“Jesus, faith, church, family, those are the things that are true to me. I’m not perfect, I fall many times, but that’s what keeps me grounded,” he says. “It’s how you’ve been brought up, the respect factor, being selfless, acts of service. Those are the things that are strong in our culture, and it’s important we stay true to them.”

He says understanding identity and values is vital for young Pacific athletes. “It’s always important to know where you come from. You can get lost in the limelight, but knowing who you are and where your parents come from, that’s important.”

A family legacy

Ivana will remain with the Warriors for the next two years following her outstanding rookie season. They are the first father-and-daughter duo to both play for the Warriors, and Ivana marked her debut with a try against the North Queensland Cowboys, mirroring her father, who did the same 26 years earlier.

In an interview with Stuff, Ivana thanked coach Ron Griffiths for her extended contract and acknowledged her roots with the Ōtāhuhu Leopards.

Ivana Lauiti'iti represents the New Zealand Warriors against the Canterbury Bulldogs in August 2025. Photo/Photosport/James Gourley

“Coming from local grassroots footy, it’s cool to show that you don’t have to move away to chase opportunities,” she says. “I’m excited for the next two years, I’ve learned heaps, and I’m grateful to have had my first season with this team.”

At the weekend, Ivana played for the Kiwi Ferns in their thrilling 22-20 win against Fetu Sāmoa in the Pacific Championship opener. The Ferns will face the Australian Jillaroos on Sunday, 2 November at Eden Park.

Outside of rugby, Lauiti’iti runs a family coffee cart, Kofe Bro, inspired by his wife’s love of coffee.

“It was a good time just to hang out with my girls,” he says. “Hopefully I can teach them a little bit, but probably more so they were teaching me.”

His message to young Pacific players is simple: dream big, stay humble, and put faith first. “If you have a goal or whatever you aspire to be, go get it,” he says. “Be true to yourself, carry the values of your family and your village, and if you’re a believer like me, the Lord is our foundation, our light and our strength.”

Watch Ali Lauiti'iti's full interview below.