LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
New Zealand Warriors NRLW players recently participated in the Tupu Māia festival, a girls-only health and wellbeing program for year seven and eight students in Auckland.
The event, hosted by the Warriors Community Foundation, attracted over 200 girls from eight schools.
The NRLW players, including Tysha Ikenasio, Laishon Albert-Jones, Makayla Eli, Kalyn Takitimu-Cook, Harata Butler, and Kaiyah Atai, engaged in activities alongside Warriors head coach Ron Griffiths and development player Sharnyze Pihema.
This marked the first time the club's NRLW players had been involved with the Tupu Māia program.
The players were recently signed by the Warriors for the upcoming NRLW season, which will see the team return after a five-year absence.
The participation of the Warriors NRLW players in community events like the Tupu Māia festival showcases their commitment to promoting health and wellbeing among young girls in Auckland.
Griffiths and the players have been actively engaging with rugby league events and clubs across the city, demonstrating their dedication to connecting with fans and the wider community.
The schools involved in the festival included Don Buck Primary School, Northcross Intermediate School, Wairau Intermediate School, Murrays Bay Intermediate School, Holy Cross Catholic School (Henderson), Middle School West Auckland, Pasadena Intermediate School, and Blockhouse Bay Intermediate School.
The presence of the NRLW players and coaching staff at the event not only provided inspiration to the young girls in attendance but also highlighted the Warriors' commitment to fostering a positive and inclusive community through rugby league.
Overall, the participation of the Warriors NRLW players in the Tupu Māia festival exemplifies their role as ambassadors for women's rugby league and advocates for health and wellbeing initiatives in the community.
Through their involvement in events like these, the players are not only showcasing their talent on the field but also making a meaningful impact off the field by connecting with young fans and promoting positive lifestyle choices.