Moata'ane was named in New Zealand Rugby's landmark announcement of the first group of Black Ferns to receive contracts worth from $40,000 to $45,000.
The chance of being considered to represent New Zealand meant her dream of pulling on the Black Ferns jersey came before any financial benefits, Moata'ane said.
''I don't play rugby just for the money. I never pictured that. I didn't think we would ever get paid.
''I just play the sport because I love it.''
The barnstorming midfielder admitted her Black Ferns dream was one that had almost escaped her.
Earlier this year, the 20-year-old was poised to abandon her rugby dreams after making an impact in rugby league.
''I left to go to Australia at the start of the year and I played league for Tonga,'' she said.
''I never knew how to play league, but the coaches watched my videos from the Spirit, so they asked me to play for Tonga in the Commonwealth Championship.''
So impressive were Moata'ane efforts on Australia's league fields, officials there tried to convince her to stay and take up a professional contract in Australia's national women's league.
The Pirates club player was set to fly home to New Zealand to attend a 56-woman strong Black Ferns training camp.
That meant she faced the huge decision of whether to take a guaranteed offer from rugby league and solidify her future or take the riskier option of trying to crack the Black Ferns playing squad.
After talking to her father, Mounga'One, Moata'ane decided to stick with rugby union, the game she loves.
The former Kavanagh College pupil admitted she had plenty of nerves when she attended her first Black Ferns training camp earlier this year
Moata'ane will be able to get to know the 27 players that were also handed Black Ferns contracts better at a training camp in June.
There, she will have the chance to further impress selectors in the hope of gaining her first cap in the two tests the Black Ferns play against Australia in August.
Coach Glenn Moore said the 28 contracted players named yesterday were not guaranteed a spot in the playing side and they would need to continue to impress in their club teams and provinces to be considered for the selection.
''We have a Black Ferns training camp in mid-June when we'll get a much better idea of how everyone is tracking.
''Among this squad are a number of very talented young players who have been working hard in their clubs and provincial unions.''
The Otago Rugby Football Union is hailing Moata'ane's contracting as a coup for its newly established women's academy.
''We are thrilled for her. It is fantastic recognition for where she is at as a player,'' general manager Richard Kinley said.
''She is going to be a role model for a lot of players coming through. I see it as a start of pretty good things to come.''
Former Otago player Victoria Subritzky-Nafatali was also contracted by NZR yesterday.
World Cup-winning captain Fiao'o Faamausaili shelved retirement plans to join the squad of contracted players.
The 37-year-old led the Black Ferns to their fifth women's World Cup title last year after a pulsating final against England and had planned to hang up her boots after 52 caps in a 15-year career.
