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'Second life': Slade Griffin relishing new Kiwis chapter
Sport Nation • October 7th, 2026 11:04 am
Photo: Andy Skinner/Photosport
Slade Griffin is relishing a second chance to contribute to represent New Zealand rugby league, this time as a Kiwis assistant coach for the 2026 Rugby League World Cup.
Griffin played one Test for New Zealand in 2018, before an injury the following week led to his immediate medical retirement.
“Unfortunately I played one game in Denver and then got injured the next week and had to medically retire, so that was really hard for me. That was one of the toughest times of my career,” he told Sport Nation's Scotty & Izzy.
“The boys had a six game Test at the end of the year and I was sitting on the couch after an operation just devastated, but it's always a goal of mine to get back in a black and white jersey.”
NZ Kiwis World Cup squad reaction | Running It Straight
Now coaching, alongside Stacey Jones has given him a new way to be involved.
“Got the opportunity of second life of coaching, so yeah I'm just here as a support person. I'm really excited to just help the boys where I can.
“I think just coming from New Zealand, you know what it means to our country, our people, and to the boys that get to play.”
Listen to the full interview below:
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