Hale to lead new-look Warriors into 2019 NRLW campaign

The Warriors have appointed respected playmaker Georgia Hale as their club captain for the 2019 NRL Holden Women's Premiership season.

Warriors coach Luisa Avaiki made the announcement at the squad's training base in Auckland on Tuesday night as the extended group gathered for a photo opportunity in their new playing kit.

Hale, 24, will take over the leadership role from 38-year-old Laura Mariu, who was ruled out of the second NRLW season with a shoulder injury.

"Georgia brings leadership on and off the field and is a really good example of the values in our team and what we want to try and achieve as a playing group," Avaiki told NRL.com in Auckland.

"She's very professional in her approach and has high standards with herself and the others around her.

"Although she can be focused she's got a fun side for a young girl and that's really important. The girls go to her if they need to talk and she's one to identify if there's an issue with someone else.

"In this elite space she has so much growth with leadership and the captaincy role will help her in the long term in her development."

The Warriors also announced a replacement for injured forward Va'anessa Molia-Fraser with former rugby union player Tyler Reid securing a full-time contract. 

Reid joined the extended squad following a personal invite from Avaiki after she impressed with performances at New Zealand's National Championships in July.

"I've felt for Va'anessa because she played really well in the recent Test match but unfortunately was ruled out after a knee injury in a club match," Avaiki said.

"She's doing all her rehab with us and is still connected to the team. Tyler has been with us for two weeks on a train and trial. She wasn't guaranteed a contract but her attitude has been outstanding and we're looking forward to seeing how she goes."

The Warriors appointed Kiwi Ferns coach Justin Morgan as an assistant to Avaiki earlier in the year. They'll switch roles for the end-of-season international scheduling in a unique coaching structure.

"Justin and I are very different but we offset each other," Avaiki said. 

"He's very intense and detailed which I really like. He's offering me a lot of growth in my position as a coach as well… from planning a competition like this to managing players.

"We learnt a lot from last year's campaign and are a lot better prepared this time around."