New Zealand Warriors | NRLW Leader
Born in the Cook Islands and later moving to New Zealand to complete her education and pursue sport, Apii Nicholls has become a respected figure across both nations. A dynamic fullback, she is known for her fearless playing style, strong positional awareness and ability to read the game under pressure.
Balancing multiple roles, Nicholls manages the demands of NRLW leadership alongside her responsibilities as a mother of two and her career as a police officer, reflecting her discipline and resilience both on and off the field.
Junior Club: Ōtāhuhu Leopards
Club: Warriors
Position: Fullback
Career Highlights:
- 2 x world cup Kiwi Ferns representative
- Back-to-back IRL Golden Boot Finalist
- 2018 New Zealand Rugby League Player of the Year
- 2025 Harvey Norman NRLW Player of the Year
Nicholls’ leadership is defined by her work ethic and strong connection to community. She leads through her actions, consistently putting team success first while maintaining the high standards expected of a captain. Her ability to balance elite sport with a demanding career highlights her commitment and professionalism.
With a background across multiple formats of the game, Nicholls brings a well-rounded skillset to the field. Her combination of defensive intent, durability and sharp hand-eye coordination allows her to execute consistently, whether through clean ball handling, effective tackling or reading attacking plays.
Since debuting for the Kiwi Ferns in 2017, Nicholls quickly established herself as a key player, delivering a strong performance at fullback and taking on goal kicking responsibilities for the side.
Off the field, Nicholls is open about the challenges she has faced balancing her policing career, including her experiences with PTSD, and the role rugby league has played as a positive outlet. Her journey has shaped her perspective and approach to leadership, both within her team and in the community.
A mother from a young age, Nicholls credits her children as a constant source of motivation, often acknowledging the support network around her that has enabled her career. She uses her platform to give back, working alongside her Warriors teammates in community initiatives and remaining passionate about creating better opportunities for young people, particularly in addressing school engagement in her local area.
Cherine Fahd, The Captains [Apii in Repose], 2026, black-and-white digital image, commissioned by Harvey Norman in partnership with the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia, 2026