The Warriors have announced with deep sadness the passing of NRLW player Kath Wharton (née Keremete).
In a statement shared on social media, the club expressed their shock and sorrow, stating, “We are deeply shocked and saddened by the passing of NRLW Warrior #28, Kath Wharton. Beyond her many achievements on the rugby league field, Kath was a genuine, kind, and beautiful person with a big heart for her whānau, rugby league, and the people of Northland. Our hearts go out to Kath’s husband, their children, friends, and whānau during this difficult time. Moe mai rā e te māreikura.”
Wharton was a key member of the Kiwi Ferns’ 2008 Women’s Rugby League World Cup-winning squad and played in the 2013 World Cup final, where the team was defeated by Australia. After a six-year break from rugby to focus on her career and family, she returned to the sport in 2019, making three appearances for the Warriors’ NRLW team and representing the Māori All Stars twice. At 35, Wharton said the introduction of the Women’s Premiership reignited her passion to play, and she was eager to see how her body would hold up.
Rugby League Northland also paid tribute to Wharton on social media. “Rugby League Northland is deeply saddened by the passing of our Board member and beloved community figure, Kath Wharton. Our heartfelt condolences go out to Doodles, their children, and the wider whānau. Kath was an exceptional athlete, proudly representing her country in the 2008 and 2013 Rugby League World Cups for the Kiwi Ferns, and later playing for Aotearoa in the 2019 Māori All Stars Wāhine team. She debuted for the New Zealand Warriors in the NRL Women’s Premiership later that year.”
Post-retirement, Wharton continued to support the Rugby League community, co-chairing the Sport Northland Board, serving as an appointed member of the Rugby League Northland Board, coaching the Aotearoa Māori All Stars Wahine team, and coaching the Hokianga Storm. She was instrumental in growing Rugby League in Northland.
“Kath was a humble woman with a kind spirit and a heart devoted to her community. Her passing will leave a profound void in our Rugby League family,” Rugby League Northland said. “When the whānau release further information regarding Kath’s final farewell, we will update our social media channels accordingly. Moe mai rā e te māreikura. Okioki i roto i to moenga roa.”