Multiple gold medal-winning Black Ferns star Stacey Waaka is returning to the NRLW on a two-year contract with the New Zealand Warriors from next season.
Waaka’s signing extends a signing spree over the past three weeks which has seen the Warriors secure Waaka’s former Brisbane Broncos teammates Gayle Broughton, Mele Hufanga and Annetta Nuuausala fresh from claiming the NRLW premiership this month.
The 29-year-old Waaka boasts one of New Zealand’s most exceptional sporting careers with double gold medal success at the Olympic Games (2020 and 2024) and the Rugby World Cup (2017 and 2021) as well as the World Cup Sevens in 2018 and the Commonwealth Games the same year.
Waaka played on the wing for the Broncos in her NRLW debut season where she scored six tries in six appearances before a broken leg ended her season.
“Bringing Stacey back home to play for the Warriors is a tremendous signing coup for us,” Warriors chief executive officer Cameron George said.
“She’s an exceptional athlete who immediately showed what she can do when she switched to rugby league last year.”
Waaka has just come off the Black Ferns’ Rugby World Cup campaign in England where they won bronze.
Warriors women head coach Ron Griffiths said Waaka’s “strength of character will be a wonderful fit for our flourishing culture”.
“Stacey is an experienced world-class athlete and during her time in rugby league it was evident for all to see how easily she adapted to the game.
“Furthermore, we believe her inclusion will elevate our roster bringing a strong professional approach.”
Waaka said rugby league-rugby union legend Honey Hireme-Smiler influenced her decision to join the Warriors.
“My reaction to signing with the Wahz was firstly a lot of excitement to play for the club in my home country,” she said.
“I was grateful for my experience at the Broncos and everything they gave me but it was a much easier decision to be at home closer to all my family and animals, as I have just bought my own little farm in Tauranga.”
Waaka liked when she saw from the Warriors in the NRLW last season.
“I always wanted to come back and play league after my little stint last season…didn’t know who for at that stage but so grateful the Warriors have put their faith and trust in me to add what I can to the legacy this team has created,” she said.
“It was inspiring watching their season this year as they stamped their mark back on the NRLW so I’m looking forward to joining an awesome bunch and just having loads of fun with everyone, including some former sevens players who I have previously played with, too.
“I would still call myself a rookie in the game of league so I can’t wait to soak it all in once again and continue to grow not only as a league player but as a person.”
Waaka saw that the Warriors had big ambitions.
“The Warriors have made such an impact on our community here in Aotearoa so it is cool to see Ron and Cam fully back the women’s game and strive to be NRLW premiership winners one day soon.”
As well as scoring six tries in her NRLW debut season last year, Waaka averaged 128 metres as well as making six line breaks and 23 tackle breaks.
Discussion about this post