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Sevens superstar Blyde's surprise at NRLW Warriors call-up
Melissa Woods, AAP • December 18th, 2024 8:00 am
AAP
The Warriors have pulled off a massive signing coup, luring sevens superstar Michaela Blyde to play in the NRLW.
The Auckland-based outfit have convinced the 28-year-old dual Olympic sevens gold medallist to switch codes as the club makes its return to the league next year.
Blyde will join the Warriors on a one-year deal bringing an exceptional record of achievements, named back-to-back world rugby sevens women's player of the year in 2017 and 2018.
The speedster was in the gold medal-winning Blacks Ferns squad at the 2020 and and 2024 Olympic Games, and also won Commonwealth Games gold in 2018.
Blyde has scored almost 250 tries in more than 200 sevens appearances on the world stage.
Warriors NRLW head coach Ronald Griffiths was thrilled to have Blyde on board.
Photo: AAP
"Michaela is an elite athlete who has succeeded through a steely focus and an unwavering determination. She's a wonderful acquisition for our program," he said in a statement.
"Her career has been underpinned by hard work while her attitude and blistering speed will hold her in good stead to transition successfully into the NRLW."
Blyde said the transition had been months in the making and she was excited to get started in rugby league.
"A lot of excitement has been going through my mind," she said.
"I've been looking forward to this day for the last few months - to sign with the Warriors was a little bit of a surprise for me to be honest but nonetheless I'm extremely grateful for the opportunity the One New Zealand Warriors are offering me.
"The Warriors are a team I grew up watching on TV. My family are rugby but when we knew the Warriors were playing on TV we'd change the channel to watch them and support them."
