Kiera Rangi was a history-maker at the age of 12 and has continued to excel in her rugby league career with state and international honours for Queensland and the Cook Islands already on an impressive CV.

SEVEN years ago, at the age of 12, Kiera Rangi made rugby league history as the first girl ever chosen for the Queensland U12’s schoolboys’ team.

Since then, the powerhouse Polynesian has not only broken down the barriers of girls playing a male dominated sport, but she has exceeded her wildest dreams of playing for both state and country.

Whilst Polynesian girls look to the teenage Rangi for guidance and inspiration on and off the field, her sole focus is becoming the best that she can be, all whilst flying the Māori and Cook Islander flags.

“I was born in South Auckland and I have both Māori and Cook Islands bloodlines with my mum being from New Zealand and dad from the Cook Islands.

“I started playing sports early after moving to Australia but switched to rugby league at 11 for its physicality.

“It is no secret that Polynesians love physical sports and union and league are the two games that we often lean towards to get our fix.

“I first started playing league at school but wanted to join a proper club.

“I first started playing for the Aspley Devils in Brisbane where I picked up the rules quite quickly and with my strength, I was able to match it with the boys who I played against each week.”

Rangi made history as the first girl chosen for Queensland’s schoolboys’ team — a milestone she is deeply proud of, and one that will always belong to her.

“At the time, I didn’t think it was such a big deal, but as I have become older, I have realised that it was in fact a huge milestone and a feather in the cap for the women’s game.”

The skilled back rower was subsequently selected for the Queensland women’s U19 team, earning state honours and the opportunity to compete against New South Wales in this year’s Women’s State of Origin series.

“Getting the nod to play for Queensland this year was so surreal.

“I was at school when I got the call.

“Although we are not supposed to take calls during school hours, I answered anyway and I am glad I did, because it was our coach, Maia Tua-Davidson, calling to tell me I had made the team.

“The first person I called was my dad because he has been the one person who has stood by me in this crazy rollercoaster ride I am on.

“I was nervous, yet excited to run out in the Maroons jersey, but I knew I had a posse of family and friends at the game to watch me.

“I always write my family members’ names on my wrists before I run out, so I knew that they were also with me in spirit.

“You cannot describe the rush you experience running out for a State of Origin game, especially for Queensland, it was the most exhilarating feeling in the world.”

Rangi’s hard work, persistence, and patience is something to admire.

Currently playing for the Souths Logan Magpies in the women’s BMD competition in Brisbane, Rangi is now on the radar of NRL clubs including the Bulldogs and Titans.

“I was a scholarship holder at the Broncos who really looked after the girls in terms of training.

“For now, though, I will consider my options and choose what is best for my career. I am not in any rush to make rash decisions; it is something I want to digest before I ink pen to paper.”

Rangi has also celebrated her Cook Islands roots by earning selection to the national women’s team, which secured victory in this year’s Pacific Bowl competition.

“People tend to forget our little nation in the Cook Islands when it comes to rugby league.

“Securing victory in this year’s Pacific Bowl against Tonga highlights the considerable progress the Cook Islands have made over recent years and demonstrates the valuable contributions women’s rugby league has to offer.

“Currently, our head coach Kiana Takairangi is running rugby league clinics on the island, ensuring that the next generation are gaining the necessary skills in representing our nation.

“My grandmother passed away after I made my debut for Queensland this year and she never got to see me play for the Cook Islands.

“When I was singing the national anthem out on the field, that emotion of making not only her proud, but my dad, is something that will stay with me forever.”

Serious injuries have also played a big part in Rangi’s career thus far, having snapped her ACL and badly broken her foot in seasons 2021/22.

But instead of giving up, the tireless backrower became stronger in mind and body.

“Those injury setbacks made me hungrier to succeed.

“Without my dad’s support — driving me to doctors’ appointments, rehab and a being a shoulder to cry on — I might not have made it through the dark days.

“We all have heroes that we look up to, but my dad is mine.”

Rangi’s next assignment is securing that coveted NRLW contract and representing the New Zealand Ferns down the track, representing her mother’s side of the family.

“To represent both of my parents’ heritage is something that I want to tick off my list. 

“If it happens, then it will be something I would be incredibly proud of with my Māori/Cook Islands heritage.

“In the meantime, my advice to any girl playing the game is, if you want to excel in anything in life, you need to be prepared to put in the work and make sacrifices.

“Part of the journey is the blood, sweat and tears behind closed doors that people do not often see.

“I am glad that I stuck with it and often pinch myself in thinking, “look at me now” in terms of what I have achieved in the game.

“Whatever rugby league holds for me in the future, I will just continue to embrace the opportunities that come my way.”

First published in Rugby League World magazine, Issue 515 (December 2025)