Apii Nicholls Faces Leadership Challenges as Warriors Captain

As the captain of the NZ Warriors, Apii Nicholls is learning to navigate the pressures of leadership in the NRLW. Following a disappointing 20-10 defeat to the Gold Coast Titans on October 7, 2023, Nicholls expressed her struggles in motivating her teammates during critical moments of the match. “I think a few people talk about how I lead with my actions, but I felt in that game, I needed to lead with my voice,” she reflected. The Auckland-based team is re-entering the Australian women’s rugby league competition after a five-year hiatus, and the challenge has proven steep.

With only one victory in their first four matches, the Warriors face opponents with significantly more experience. Less than half of the 25-member squad has played at this elite level before, many transitioning from rugby union or sevens. At 32 years old, Nicholls stands out as the most experienced league player on the team, boasting 23 NRLW games and 11 tests for the Kiwi Ferns. She is also the only foundation member of the women’s program to return for its revival.

Choosing Nicholls as captain was a straightforward decision for new coach Ron Griffiths, but persuading her to accept the role proved more challenging. “When we signed her, I thought she could lead the team,” Griffiths said. “I didn’t even mention leadership, but by the time I got back to Newcastle, I had a message saying she didn’t want a leadership role.” This transition has pushed Nicholls outside her comfort zone, leading to significant personal growth.

Adapting to Leadership Responsibilities

Nicholls acknowledges that she is a work in progress in her new role. This season marks her first experience as a team captain, and she is learning to embrace the responsibilities that come with it. “That’s something I’ve been able to accept over these past few days,” she said. “It’s challenging, and this week has been the most challenging for me, but I’ve spoken to a few people that have given me a lift that I can keep going.”

Despite her determination to inspire her team, Nicholls emphasized the importance of maintaining team cohesion. “We reflect, we learn, we take ownership of our roles and keep building,” she added. Her leadership qualities have already made a noticeable impact on her teammates, who have expressed their admiration for her growth within such a short period.

During a recent match against the Parramatta Eels, Nicholls delivered a crucial one-on-one tackle that energized her team and showcased her defensive skills. Griffiths noted how her performance and presence resonate with her teammates. “That shows you she’s well on her way to getting where she needs to be,” he stated. “She might have felt she needed to lead with her voice, but at certain times, she will need to say things to lift her players.”

Future Aspirations and Team Dynamics

Nicholls is committed to ensuring her teammates have a successful season, especially considering many are experiencing this level of competition for the first time. “As a leader, I want the best for each and every one of these players—that’s the biggest focus for me,” she said. Her belief in personal growth and learning resonates deeply with her team philosophy: “We’ll continue to build, we’re always going to be learning, and we can’t always get things right.”

As the season progresses, Nicholls will likely find increased support from her teammates as they adapt to their new environment. Her self-awareness and willingness to grow as a leader may ultimately foster a stronger team dynamic. “I just want to make sure these girls have a good season because it’s their first time,” she concluded.

With the Warriors facing the challenges ahead, Nicholls is poised to lead her team through the trials of the NRLW, emphasizing the importance of resilience and continuous development.