Apii Nicholls of the Kiwi Ferns, 2023. Photo: AAP / www.photosport.nz
Apii Nicholls has been named to captain of the Warriors in their return to the NRLW competition.
The announcement comes seven years after she made her debut in the Warriors foundation side.
The 32-year-old was at fullback when she opened their inaugural campaign with a win over the Roosters in 2018.
The Warriors women withdrew from the competition in 2021 due to the financial pressures caused by Covid-19.
The second version of the team will open their 2025 campaign against defending premiers the Roosters in Sydney on July 6.
Nicholls has played 28 NRLW games for the Warriors, Gold Coast Titans and Canberra Raiders.
"Apii is the only original New Zealand Warriors NRLW player to return home for our reintroduction to the NRLW competition. This speaks volumes about her loyalty and her strength of character," head coach Ron Griffiths said.
"Furthermore her actions on and off the field personify a Warriors captain - hardworking and humble, someone who always puts everyone else's needs above hers."
Nicholls said, "I'm truly blessed. I'm so proud to be part of this team."
"I want to do what I think I do best by leading with my actions and keeping us connected as a team."
Nicholls has played 16 Tests for the Kiwi Ferns and was a finalist for the women's Golden Boot award in 2023. She was also named in the team of the tournament at the 2022 Rugby League World Cup in the United Kingdom.
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