Rookie Maarire Puketapu Chooses Rugby League Over Softball Path

New Zealand sportswoman Maarire Puketapu has made a significant career shift, opting for the NRLW programme with the NZ Warriors instead of pursuing a softball career. This decision was shaped by the disruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, which altered her trajectory as an athlete. Previously, Puketapu had represented New Zealand in softball and secured a scholarship to play at Florida Tech in the United States.

“I played softball my entire life and was supposed to head over to America on a two-year scholarship, but unfortunately, because of Covid, I wasn’t too keen on heading over there,” Puketapu reflected. “I didn’t think softball was going to be the sport for me.”

Ironically, the pandemic, which sidelined the Warriors women’s team for five years, also redirected Puketapu’s sporting aspirations. In 2021, while visiting relatives in Queensland, she played for the Kawana Dolphins. The team’s coach was impressed, inviting her to relocate for the entire season. The following year, she split her time between the Te Aroha Eels club in New Zealand and the Kawana Dolphins, gaining valuable experience.

Path to the Warriors

Puketapu’s efforts culminated in a full-time position with the Sunshine Coast Falcons in the Queensland BMD Premiership, where her performance caught the attention of new Warriors coach Ron Griffiths. “After some time, I got the big phone call and I was in shock,” she said. “I hung up and screamed, ‘F**k, I’m going to be a Warrior!’, but I was at work, so I had to tone it down real quick.”

Despite starting the season without prior NRLW experience, Puketapu’s time in the BMD Premiership gave her an advantage over competitors transitioning from local clubs or other sports. “Coming from BMD, I was only in that competition for one year, so I only got a small taste of how the competition can be,” she noted. “Taking that next step up to NRLW was pretty massive.”

To prepare, Puketapu trained intensively, often with local boys’ teams in Australia, which helped enhance her skills and fitness levels. “Obviously, I still died in pre-season, because that’s what it’s all about, but if I hadn’t had that training prior, I wouldn’t have been as good or I would have had injuries,” she explained.

Learning and Growing

During her time with the Warriors, Puketapu has lived with fellow athletes, including sevens rugby star Michaela Brake and former Black Fern Shakira Baker. Both players are also adapting to rugby league and have been sharing their insights with Puketapu. “Honestly, it’s been a big learning curve for me and I’ve added so much to my basket since being here,” she stated. “I’m learning so much from our Black Fern girls and grateful to be living with two of them.”

She expressed appreciation for the supportive environment, stating, “The biggest thing I’ve learnt is coming across the professional girls and seeing them on TV all my life… we’re all on the same level. They didn’t give off this energy that they’re too cool or too good for us – you really do feel like you’re part of the whānau here.”

Puketapu’s family has been an integral part of her journey, with many traveling across the Tasman Sea to witness her NRLW debut against the Sydney Roosters. “Running out of the tunnel and seeing my family there is a feeling you can’t really describe,” she said, highlighting the emotional significance of the moment.

As Puketapu continues to navigate her new career in rugby league, her resilience and dedication reflect her commitment to succeed in this dynamic sport. Her journey exemplifies how unexpected challenges can lead to new opportunities, fostering growth and development both on and off the field.