A Chip Off the Old Block: Ivana Lauitiiti Makes Stunning NRLW Debut
The name Lauitiiti is back in the headlines — and this time, it’s Ivana.
On a rainy Sunday in Newcastle, 19-year-old Ivana Lauitiiti made a powerful NRLW debut for the One NZ Warriors during Magic Round, following in the footsteps of her legendary father, Ali Lauitiiti. And just like her dad did 26 years earlier, she marked the occasion with a try.
Coming off the bench in the first half, the Ōtāhuhu Leopards junior crashed over for the Warriors’ first points of the match, helping to spark a gritty 12-6 win over the Cowboys — the club’s first away win since rejoining the NRLW. In just 24 minutes on the field, Ivana ran for over 100 metres, made nine tackles, and delivered a momentum-turning defensive hit that’s already doing the rounds on social media.
“I wasn’t even thinking,” Ivana told NRL.com after the game. “Coach said to run with intent, so I just went for it. Kick the door open.”
Ali, watching proudly from the stands with family at McDonald Jones Stadium, was all smiles after the game, but true to Lauitiiti form, both father and daughter preferred to let the performance do the talking.
“She doesn't say much, probably like me,” Ali said. “I'm just happy for her. It was good just to see her out there … Praise God for the opportunity she’s been given.”
Ivana was only called into the game-day squad after Felila Kia was ruled out through injury, but she didn’t just fill a gap — she left a mark. Warriors coach Ron Griffiths praised her impact and attitude.
“When you watch Ivana at training, she’s just powerful — and that’s how she ran out there today,” he said. “We’ve still got things to work on, but that try, that energy — we knew she’d bring that.”
Ivana's debut was even more special considering it fell on her 19th birthday weekend. Born in Leeds during Ali’s successful Super League stint with the Rhinos, she grew up in Auckland, immersed in league culture. She started playing at intermediate school and now represents the next generation of a family that lives and breathes the game.
“I just wanted to play the game,” she said. “It’s cool building culture and a team. I think I was just blessed to be picked up and be in this squad.”
Ali, who scored on debut for the Warriors against North Sydney in 1998 and was later dubbed “the Michael Jordan of rugby league,” now works in wellbeing with both the Warriors and NZRL. On Sunday, he was simply a proud dad.
“To see our girl on the field today live [we are] so proud of you Ivana Lauitiiti. .. All glory to God 🙏🏻” he wrote on Facebook. “To all her grade & HP coaches & RL management teams who helped nurture & push her to get to this day… Thank you all. Our families & friends who have supported all our girls in their sport ❤️ Love you all. #WelcomeToTheNRLWivana”
With her first NRLW game now behind her, Ivana is focused on what comes next.
“I only found out on Thursday that I was playing, so it was a lot to prepare for,” she said. “But it was pretty good. I’m still trying to take it in. I just want to build from here.”
The Warriors will face the Bulldogs next Saturday in a double-header at Accor Stadium. If Sunday was anything to go by, expect Ivana Lauitiiti to be back in the mix — carrying a name that means a lot in rugby league, and making it her own.
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