The Fotu-Moala sisters from left Maatuleio, Teuila and Metanoia.
Photo: Photosport
The Fotu-Moala sisters were told their future careers were in the kitchen and not on the rugby field.
Fortunately, Metanoia, Maatuleio, and Teuila Fotu-Moala all ignored the antiquated advice, and each took the path to professional sport.
The trio have now all played NRLW, shattering the beliefs of some of their more traditional relatives.
“They think that contact sport is predominantly for men and we should be in the kitchen helping out, but we have shown we are diverse and can wear boots as well as high heels,” Metanoia said.
The first to crack the competition was oldest sister and former Kiwi Fern Teuila, nicknamed ‘the jukebox’ by Australian league legend Darren Lockyer due to her ‘number of hits’.
Teuila played in the inaugural NRLW for the Broncos in 2018 and won a premiership with the club that year.
Warriors prop Metanoia said it was Teulia who introduced her sisters to the game, sparking a constant desire to outdo one another.
“Our older sister was in this space and she influenced both of us to work harder and be the best in our craft. There’s a camaraderie and banter between my sisters and I, we always wanted to be the best, so there’s a pretty healthy rivalry between us.”
With Maatuleio making her debut for the Dragons in 2024 and switching to the Bulldogs this year, Metanoia is the latest in the family to play NRLW after being picked for the Warriors to play the Titans in July.
Metanoia said she was a late bloomer to the 13-aside code, after Teuila convinced both her and twin sister Maatuleio to join her local club side to make up the numbers.
Metanoia Fotu-Moala of the Warriors against the Canterbury Bulldogs, round 6 of the 2025 NRL Telstra Women’s Premiership at Accor Stadium, Sydney.
Photo: www.photosport.nz
“We thought it was the best thing ever. We used that as an outlet to let go of frustration and it was something that grew into a passion.”
The twins still share that tight, but competitive bond.
“She is the type of sister that would want to pave her own way and she always jokes that she doesn’t like having to play with us because she says ‘I have to hide behind you guys,'” Metanoia said.
Metanoia said she has asked her twin to join her in Auckland.
“I tried to convince her to come to the Warriors, but she’s like, ‘no, I’m loyal to the Bulldogs.'”
As for which side their parents support?
“Any team that wins.”
Metanoia said despite being retired, Teuila is still all too happy to critique her little sister’s performance.
“Every game she’s giving me a long message about my improvements, nothing good. It’s always something that I need to work on. But yeah, I think that’s what you get. I mean, you’re bouncing [and] have that the rivalry between your sister to get the best out of you.”
After hanging up her boots in 2022 with plenty still in the tank, Metanoia said Teuila still had that itch.
“Having to see us in this space, not continuing her journey, there’s a little bit of regret there.”
The sisters haven’t given up on their dream of one day running out onto the field together.
“Well, she needs to be fitter. She got a little bit of work to do,” Metanoia joked.
Metanoia Warrior’s selection also marks the first player signed to the club from the local league scene.
“I knew when I had my conversation with Ron and he was talking about building a legacy for the future generation, I told him that’s something I want to be a part of and hopefully win a premiership out of that.”
Metanoia said she had been taken back by the level of support shown to the side.
“I was walking to the dairy and this man that stopped me and complimented our team and said how awesome it is to see a team here at home representing us.”
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