Ahead of the nib Newcastle Knights introduction to the NRL Telstra Women's Premiership, we sat down with the squad members who are creating history in the red and blue.
We caught up with Kiwi Ferns and Maori All Stars captain, Krystal Rota, to get to know her a little better.
A highly-distinguished Kiwi international, Rota's leadership and experience will prove invaluable for the inaugural Knights squad.
Name: Krystal Rota
Position/s: Hooker
Junior Club: Manurewa Marlins
You’re journey in the game? Where have you played before?
Started at Manurewa Marlins, then moved to Papakura Sea Eagles now back at Manurewa Marlins. Play Provincial for Counties Manukau, representative honours with Maori All Stars and Kiwi Ferns. Favourite team to play for is my Whanau team Ngati Umutahi Ki Te Arawa
How excited are you to be a part of the first ever NRLW side for the Newcastle Knights?
Extremely grateful to get this opportunity to be apart of the inaugural Newcastle Knights team alongside several sisters from New Zealand and my team Tiddas from here in Australia.
What’s your hopes and expectations for the season ahead?
To build a solid foundation and culture at this club for the future generations to continue building and developing as the game grows to become full-time professional.
What are you most looking forward to for the season?
Learning, growing, making new friendships and memories and finally being able to play some footy again.
Favourite movie/book?
Movie – Poetic Justice.
Book – Currently “You’ll see it when you believe it”
Best piece of advice you’ve received?
Don’t be upset with the results you didn’t get with the work you didn’t do.
Favourite team outside of the NRL or NRLW?
Ngati Umutahi.
Best joke?
I'm so not a joker or funny at all! My roomie Munkz (Maitua Feterika) has me covered on a daily.
Where did you grow up?
Manurewa, South Auckland.
Who is most important to you?
God and my family.
Greatest on-field moment?
Post-match for the Maori All Stars Inaugural All Stars match.
Greatest off-field achievement?
My children.
Any sporting heroes?
My Dad.
