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Live sport on SN this weekend‘My heart is New Zealand’: Huriwai finds belonging at Warriors
Savannah Lendich Jonkers • July 17th, 2026 4:07 pm
Jay Huriwai | Photo: Photosport
For Wahine Warriors hooker Jay Huriwai, the call to join the Auckland-based club was more than a career move.
It was a call home.
Born in New Zealand before growing up in Australia, Huriwai has spent much of her rugby career across the Tasman, including representing the Wallaroos on the international stage.
But when the chance came to return to New Zealand and chase an NRLW opportunity with the Warriors, there was no hesitation.
Jay Huriwai | Photo: Photosport
“I was obviously born here, grew up in Australia, but in my heart, New Zealand's always been home to me so it was a no brainer,” she told The Six Again Podcast.
“I just said to my partner. I want to be there. I feel like something's calling me to come back home and put on that Wahs jersey."
She said facing the Black Ferns haka while wearing a Wallaroos jersey was an emotional reminder of where her heart truly sat.
“Do you know how hard it is seeing a haka in front of you and not being on that side of the park? I got emotional. I think I started crying. I love Australia. It's given me so many opportunities, but man, my heart is New Zealand.”
Jay Huriwai playing for the Wallaroos | Photo: Photosport
"Growing up, I've always been an All Blacks supporter, Black Ferns supporter. I don't want to be biased, but I was kind of backing Black Ferns as well, even though I was in that green jersey. I was like, nah, I love my country, like it's so hard.”
She said it is 100 per cent on the cards to play for the Kiwi Ferns in the future, but for now, her focus is on making a mark at the Warriors.
Her described her move to NRLW as a leap of faith following a conversation with Warriors coach Ron Griffiths.
“As soon as I got off the phone, I went home to my partner, I was like, ‘we have to go. This is an opportunity for me and this thing probably wouldn't come around again’, so I'm gonna take it with both hands and see what happens.”
Jay Huriwai | Photo: Photosport
Now preparing for her first game as starting hooker against the Cowboys at Mt Smart Stadium on Saturday, Huriwai said the move home has already given her a renewed sense of belief.
“I definitely have worked hard and I feel like I've earned it. I've always doubted myself and I've always thought that I'm not good enough to start, but all the girls are getting around me, they're like, ’you've played mean, you deserve to be here, you have shown us that you deserve to be here.’”
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Watch the full interview via the Sport Nation YouTube below:
