The NZ Warriors have officially announced development contracts for three promising young players as the 2026 NRLW preseason draws near.
Among them is 17-year-old Asha Taumoepeau-Williams, who is widely seen as a significant talent in both rugby league and rugby union in New Zealand.
The other two players are 18-year-olds Gezreyal Maiu'u, sister of former Warriors NRL player Zyon, and Patricia Heihei, both of whom have rich backgrounds in both sports.
Taumoepeau-Williams, currently a student at Howick College, will soon turn 18 and is expected to transition to a top 24 NRLW contract next season after signing a development deal this year.
Her athletic journey has been impressive thus far.
She shone for the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs in the New South Wales Rugby League's under-17 Lisa Fiola Cup, scoring 17 tries in 10 games in 2024 and 11 in eight games the following year.
Additionally, Taumoepeau-Williams featured in six matches for the Auckland Storm in last year's Farah Palmer Cup and earned MVP honors at the 2025 Global Youth Sevens.