Chantay Kiria‑Ratu is one of the brightest emerging playmakers in the NRLW, currently steering the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks around the park as their first-choice halfback. A composed organiser with an outstanding kicking game and mature game-management instincts beyond her years, Kiria-Ratu has rapidly developed into one of the competition’s premier young halves.

Her rise began through the elite pathways at Keebra Park State High School, where her talent quickly set her apart. She joined the Gold Coast Titans’ NRLW development program in 2022 and made her NRLW debut the following year, playing every game of the 2023 season and helping guide the Titans to their maiden NRLW Grand Final appearance. Her impressive debut campaign earned her the club’s Rookie of the Year award.

On the international stage, Kiria-Ratu has proudly represented the Cook Islands, debuting at the 2022 Women’s Rugby League World Cup. She has since become a key figure in the national side, featuring throughout the Pacific Championships and Pacific Games campaigns while playing a leading role in the Cook Islands’ Pacific Bowl success.

In early 2024, Kiria-Ratu suffered a significant setback when she ruptured her ACL during a BMD Premiership match, ruling her out for the entire NRLW season. Despite the lengthy rehabilitation process, she remained committed to her development and returned stronger both physically and mentally.

Her return came in 2025 after signing a three-year deal with the Cronulla Sharks, where she immediately claimed the No.7 jersey. Her long kicking game, composure under pressure and ability to control field position quickly established her as Cronulla’s chief playmaker. She played a pivotal role in guiding the Sharks to a Preliminary Final and emerged as one of the competition’s most influential young halves.

Kiria-Ratu’s breakout form was rewarded in 2026 when she earned selection for the Queensland Maroons and made her Women’s State of Origin debut at five-eighth in Game I of the series. Named alongside several experienced representatives, she started all three matches of the series and showcased the kicking game that has become a hallmark of her play. Her 856 kicking metres across the series were the most of any player, underlining her ability to control territory at the game's highest representative level.