BREAKING BOUNDARIES – MOANA COURTENAY
Rugby league wasn’t always part of her plan, but for Moana Courtenay, determination, talent, and hard work have turned opportunity into achievement – and she’s only just getting started.
Growing up in Mahurangi, rugby union was where Moana’s journey began. She first pulled on the boots at Mahurangi College at 15, continuing to play through her school years before joining Harbour U18s and later the Harbour Farah Palmer Cup team, where she spent three seasons honing her skills.
After stepping away from the sport to have her son, she redirected her focus toward study, beginning a Bachelor of Business. But Moana’s passion for rugby never faded. When she returned to compete in a Harbour Sevens tournament, her performance caught the attention of selectors – and soon after, she made her international debut for the Tonga National Women’s Sevens team in 2023, a moment made even more special as she took the field alongside her sister.
The following year, Moana represented the Tonga Women’s National Rugby Union team, an experience that opened the door to an entirely new chapter – rugby league. Her standout performances on the international stage led to her signing with the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs NRLW team this year, marking her first year playing rugby league and stepping into a full-time professional environment.
The transition brought steep learning curves – from the structure and intensity of training to the pace and demands of the season – but also incredible growth. “My first season with the Bulldogs was both challenging and rewarding. It taught me a lot about professionalism, resilience, and consistency,” she says, an experience that ultimately led to a two-year contract extension with the team.
“Being signed to the Bulldogs was such a proud moment,” she shares. “It felt like all the years of hard work, sacrifices, and balancing sport, study, and motherhood had paid off.” That momentum has continued, with further milestones marking her rise in the game – including selection for the Mate Ma’a Tonga Women’s Rugby League team and making the top 25 for the New Zealand Kiwiferns – achievements that reflect her consistency and drive.
Despite her growing success on the professional stage, Moana’s roots in Mahurangi remain strong. She still trains alongside her brothers and local players at the Mahurangi Rugby Club, where the support from coaches and community has played a huge part in her journey. Her parents have been there for almost every debut, a constant source of strength and encouragement, and her siblings continue to be her biggest motivators and training partners.
Looking ahead, she has her sights set on earning a spot in the Kiwiferns’ top 21 to represent New Zealand at the World Cup and completing her degree before heading back to Sydney for preseason in May. Beyond her personal goals, Moana hopes to inspire young athletes – especially those from Tongan and small-town communities – to chase their dreams, no matter how big they seem.
“Long term,” she says, “I’d love to help grow women’s rugby league and be a role model for the next generation of Pacific women in sport.”