The Rugby League Players Association (RLPA) was proud to welcome Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad and Tiana Penitani Gray to The Mana Group as the pair joined for the group’s July meeting, strengthening Māori and Pasifika representation in the association’s player leadership structure.
Tiana is a current Australian Jillaroos and New South Wales Blues representative who has represented her Tongan heritage in the international game, and Charnze has represented the Māori All Stars as well as the Cook Islands and New Zealand internationally.
“The RLPA is delighted to welcome Tiana and Charnze to The Mana Group,” said Nita Maynard, the RLPA’s Player Operations Manager and proud Māori woman. “Tiana is an Australian Tongan whose leadership and presence in the game continues to grow. She brings a strong voice to her advocacy for players and a valuable and unique perspective that will lead to meaningful contributions in her role for The Mana Group.
“Charnze is an incredibly proud Cook Islander and Māori person, whose lived experience and commitment to service will reinforce the group’s ability to support Māori and Pasifika players on and off the field.
“At the recent meeting, The Mana Group also farewell founding member James Fisher Harris who made significant contributions since the group’s formation. His leadership helped shape The Mana Group and while no longer a formal member, his continued support and advocacy are deeply appreciated.”
During The Mana Group’s July meeting, the group discussed a number of key areas and initiatives impacting Māori and Pasifika players and the RLPA facilitated special guests from the National Rugby League (NRL) to present, including former players and proud Samoans Steve Meredith and David Solomona.
The Mana Group meeting agenda in July included:
- Welcoming Charnze and Tiana
- Updates on the Pacific Wellbeing Advisory Group Conference
- International Dates and Eligibility
The RLPA thanks James for his lasting contributions and welcomes Tiana and Charnze as the group continues to strengthen its cultural leadership and advocacy for Māori and Pasifika players.
The Mana Group
Zahara Temara
Simaima Taufa
Siliva Havili
Shellie Long
Junior Paulo
Tiana Penitani Gray
Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad
Sia Soliola (Independent Advisor)
Feleti Mateo (Independent Advisor)
David Mead (Independent Advisor)
About The Mana Group
The Mana Group was established in 2024 to empower Pasifika and Māori players by giving them the opportunity to utilise their voices, provide feedback, and engage with stakeholders on matters directly affecting them and their communities.
The Mana Group was established to:
- Provide consistent growth in the number of players of Pasifika and Māori heritage represented across the NRL and NRLW.
- Promote Pasifika and Māori players into leadership roles and give them the ability to be a voice and act on behalf of the playing group through the establishment of a designated leadership structure.
- Have an environment where players and stakeholders will have the opportunity to talk with and discuss any matters involving Pasifika and Māori players.
- Provide support and guidance of the RLPA as their player representatives.
