Inside CK Athletic Development with Kiana Takairangi

For Kiana Takairangi, rugby league isn’t just a sport. It’s also an avenue for young kids to build confidence and a way for Kiana to connect with her heritage and culture.

Rugby league is in Kiana’s blood. Her father, Louis Takairangi, and older brother, Brad Takairangi, both carved out professional careers in rugby league. Louis played for the Parramatta Eels in the 1980s, while Brad played almost over 200 NRL and Super League games and has represented New Zealand and the Cook Islands.

And despite her strong and deep connection to the game, for much of her life, Kiana didn’t picture herself on the field.

“I didn’t grow up playing rugby league,” says Kiana.

“I thought it was just for boys. My brother played, my dad played, but I never saw myself playing ever.”

Thankfully, that expectation has changed a lot since then. Women’s and girl’s rugby league has continued their rapid rise, with more opportunities and pathways for girls from all backgrounds. Kiana has embraced that evolution, not just on the field, but off it too.

Seven years ago, Kiana and Corban Baxter cofounded CK Athletic Development, a business that gives young players access to quality coaching programs in rugby league skills, speed and agility, all while enjoying the game and building confidence.

“I think for us growing up, we didn’t have anything like this,” says Kiana. “It was something that we thought would be really cool for the kids in the area to grow up and have, extra training that they can get involved in. Because we didn’t have any of it and we know how much the kids love it and enjoy it.”

The impact of CK Athletic Development even extends beyond Australia, with some of the most meaningful work happening in the Cook Islands, a place close to Kiana’s heart through family and international rugby league. For four years they’ve run clinics and tournaments in the South Pacific nation, helping local young athletes develop skills they might not otherwise access.

“It was pretty much just a little bit of a passion project that we started. Just wanting to do the same thing that we’re doing here, but over for the kids who don’t really get to experience that in the Cook Islands,” says Kiana.

For Kiana and Corban, the focus has always remained simple: creating access, building confidence, and helping young athletes reach their goals.

“We love being able to do this as a job and share our knowledge and experience with the next generation,” says Kiana.

“It doesn’t really feel like work because it’s so enjoyable. We feel really blessed that we can call this our job as well.”

ABOUT KIANA TAKAIRANGI

Kiana Takairangi is a New Zealand and Cook Islands international who has built an impressive career across the NRLW and international stage.

She debuted for the Cook Islands at the 2017 Women’s Rugby League World Cup before representing New Zealand in 2019, scoring twice on debut. In 2025, she was captain of the Cook Islands side that claimed their first-ever Pacific Bowl title.

At club level, Takairangi has played for the Sydney Roosters, Newcastle Knights, Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks and Parramatta Eels. She was part of the Knights’ 2022 premiership-winning side, scoring two tries in the Grand Final. Known for her speed and attacking instinct, she continues to proudly represent her heritage at the highest level.