In 2024, Chantay Kiria-Ratu faced the toughest moment of her rugby league career when she ruptured her ACL before the start of the NRLW season.

After making her NRLW debut the year before and representing the Cook Islands on the international stage, the injury threatened to derail her progress as her career began to gain momentum.

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While many players could have struggled to bounce back from such a significant setback, she used the experience to build resilience and appreciate the opportunities that have come her way.

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“That was obviously one of my biggest injuries,” Kiria-Ratu told foxsports.com.au.

“I’m grateful for it because I think it’s built me to be more resilient and more grateful for what’s given to me whether it’s on the field or off the field.

“That was the toughest moment of my career.”

Chantay Kiria-Ratu of the Sharks runs with the ball. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images

Two years on, Kiria-Ratu is enjoying the biggest season of her young career and will now pull on the Kiwi Ferns jersey for the first time.

Born in New Zealand, she moved to Australia with her family when she was around seven and grew up on the Gold Coast, where her journey began.

After being given the opportunity to represent Queensland earlier in the year, she will now represent her birthplace on the international stage alongside the likes of Georgia Hale, Raecene McGregor and Stacey Waaka.

“I always knew one day I’d hopefully be able to represent the New Zealand Kiwis and I’m blessed and grateful to do it,” she added.

“I was lucky enough to play for the Cook Islands back in 2022, but I was lost for words when I got the call from Ricky (Henry) and even now, once I’m in camp, everything’s kind of hitting me now.

“I’m still pinching myself about having this opportunity to represent New Zealand.”

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The call-up has also been a special moment for her family, many of whom remain across the Tasman and have long believed she would one day wear the famous Black and White jersey.

“Everyone was excited. Most of my family’s back in New Zealand and they were really happy for me,” she continued.

“They always knew that one day I’d put this jersey on and they’re so excited for me and they can’t wait to see me in this Black and White jersey.”

CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA – JULY 25: Chantay Kiria-Ratu of the Sharks in action during the round four NRLW match between Canberra Raiders and Cronulla Sharks at GIO Stadium, on July 25, 2026, in Canberra, Australia. (Photo by Mark Nolan/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images

The selection marks Kiria-Ratu’s latest milestone in 2026, and she described it as one of the biggest years of her rugby league journey to date.

“This year’s probably been one of my biggest years, especially representing my state,” she said.

“That was one of the biggest dreams in my rugby league journey and now I get the opportunity to play in the World Cup for the Kiwi Ferns which is amazing.”



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