A Warriors squad laden with Kiwi Ferns and boasting a unique family connection has been named to contest the inaugural NRL women’s premiership.

Coach Luisa Avaiki will take charge of the 22-woman group to contest the four-team competition which runs parallel with the men’s NRL play-offs.

Former New Zealand representative Lorina Papali’i is a notable inclusion.

The 41-year-old is the mother of current Warriors men’s second-rower, Isaiah Papali’i, 19.

Among the others unveiled on Wednesday is Kiwi Ferns captain Laura Mariu and veteran international fullback Sarina Clark.

Playmaker Mariu had contemplated retirement after last year’s World Cup but returned this season to help Counties Manukau Stingrays win the national domestic final.

Warriors general manager football Brian Smith is delighted the group is comprised solely of New Zealand players.

Eighteen of the squad are current or former Kiwi Ferns with the other four having been included in a wider national squad.

The Warriors team will play a warmup match against Auckland this month before playing Premiership games against Brisbane, St George Illawarra and the Sydney Roosters in September.

WARRIORS WOMEN’S SQUAD:

Sarina Clark, Apii Nicholls, Va’anessa Molia-Fraser, Langi Veainu, Shontelle Woodman, Lisa Edwards, Hilda Mariu, Amber Kani, Georgia Hale, Raquel Anderson-Pitman, Laura Mariu, Luisa Gago, Sui Tauasa-Pauaraisa, Crystal Tamarua, Onjeurlina Leiataua, Alice Vailea, Lorina Papali’i, Tanika-Jazz Noble-Bell, Annetta-Claudia Nuuausala, Kahurangi Peters, Krystal Rota, Aieshaleigh Smalley.