Queensland Reds hooker Roni Setu brings front-row firepower to HKFC Natixis Ice Squad
With just 7 rounds of action left in the Nan Fung | AIRSIDE Women’s Premiership, Hong Kong Football Club are glad to announce a new signing in the front row as HKFC Natixis Ice look to climb up the rankings from their current position of 4th.
Zophronia “Roni” Setu, a hooker from Ipswich, Queensland, arrives at HKFC fresh from the Queensland Reds’ 2025 finalist campaign. Before that, she gained experience with UQ and Sunnybank, building a reputation as a player who dominates the tight exchanges and isn’t afraid to get stuck in.
Ice Squad coach Hannah was immediately drawn to what Setu brings to the park. “Her physicality and ball carrying skill set and ability to create go forward,” she said when asked what stood out about the new signing.
For Setu, the move halfway across the world wasn’t just about rugby. It was about the whole package: a high-performance environment, teammates and coaches from every corner of the globe, and, crucially, some pretty solid food recommendations.
“The opportunity to play alongside people from all around the world was a big draw,” she said. “And honestly, they’ve got some mean food recommendations, which definitely adds to the experience”
Built for the grind
Ask Setu about her playing style and she doesn’t overthink it: “Fun, aggressive, and evolving.”
She thrives in the set piece, particularly scrums, where she loves nothing more than laying a dominant platform for the backs to work off. “Dominating a scrum feels pretty hectic,” she said. “Probably like a lock charging down a kick and scoring off it.”
Hannah is excited about what Setu will bring to the pack. “We’re looking forward to seeing how she contributes, particularly to our set piece,” she said. The coach described Setu as a “fast, dynamic player that is confrontational in her style,” exactly the kind of approach that fits the rugby Ice Squad wants to play.
But Setu’s not content to just own her core role. After being rotated between edge and middle positions last season, she’s focused on becoming more dynamic around the park.
“I’ve been working on being a more agile hooker. I want to do more than just tuck the ball and run, to actually be a threat to the opposition.”
A leap worth taking
Joining the Ice Squad means stepping into a squad stacked with experience, including players and coaches who’ve competed at Rugby World Cups (Charli Jacoby, ex-USA Eagle). For Setu, that’s exactly the point.
“Being part of Ice is a leap of faith, but a really exciting one,” she said. “It’s a chance to contribute, learn from people who’ve been in those high-pressure environments, and train in a setting that genuinely supports high performance.”
Hannah understands the adjustment ahead. “With any player arriving in Hong Kong it’s a big transition,” she said. “We want Roni to enjoy her rugby, continue improving and connect with all the amazing things HK has to offer.”
As for Setu? She’s keeping her priorities straight.
“It’s about balancing the fun and the grind. The tourist stuff will always be there, the opportunity to play rugby in Hong Kong might not be.”
Setu brings physicality, experience, and plenty of enthusiasm to the Ice Squad. HKFC is excited to see what she brings to the pitch, and hopes the wider community gives her a warm Hong Kong welcome.
Interested in joining the HKFC Squad? Expressions of interest can be submitted here.
