Coaches put faith in players when they are called on to do a job and Ashlee Matapo repaid that faith for the New Zealand Warriors NRLW side when her chance came during the 2025 season.
Such was her form last season which impressed all at the Warriors, she has been handed a new two-year deal until the end of the 2027 season with the club.
Matapo started as a development player at the start of last season but that all changed when she got her chance as the 18-year-old never looked back.
But it did not end with a mere Warriors call-up for Matapo; she also went on to represent the Cook Islands Moana during the Pacific Championships.
Warriors NRLW coach Ron Griffiths knows that Matapo did herself and the club proud and she epitomises the hard work and tenacity that he expects from his side.
“After debuting in round one while still being a development player, Ash quickly showed through numerous performances she belonged in the NRLW,” Griffiths said.
“She displays the traits that we value at the Warriors, great character with a tough mindset and a penchant for hard work.”
Matapo is pleased to have the opportunity to stay with the club for two more seasons and she is grateful for the support the club has shown her since she joined.
“I’m really proud and grateful to be staying with the club through to 2027,” Matapo said.
“The Warriors have backed me from the start and it means a lot to continue my development and growing there.
“The environment, the people, the standards and the expectations drive me to be better. I’m excited for what the next few seasons have in store for me.”
