LeagueNews.co | Nick Loken

Home is where the heart is: How Davison is inspiring Kiwi girls to play league

In the upcoming Pacific Cup final against Australia, Kiwi Ferns prop Tiana Davison will mark the conclusion of a significant season that began with her pioneering a women's team in her hometown of Waitara.

Davison, whose brother Carlin is rising in the NBA with the New Zealand Breakers, seized the opportunity presented by the delayed NRLW season, which began in July, to become a foundational player for the Waitara Bears women's team in Taranaki.

This club, located on the lower west coast of New Zealand's North Island, has a storied history with notable figures like Howie Tamati and Tony Kemp but had never previously fielded a women's team until this year.

After being recruited by the Knights following her representation of New Zealand in U17 and U19 rugby sevens, Davison achieved back-to-back premierships before receiving a call-up to the Kiwi Ferns for the 2023 Pacific Cup.