Racing
League
Rugby
Cricket
Golf
Motorsport
Combat Sports
Football
Netball
Basketball
Other Sports
Sport Nation
Find your frequency here'Stripping things back': Wahine Warriors ready to reset at Mount Smart
Kieran Bingham • July 25th, 2025 2:02 pm
Michaela Brake scoring her second NRLW try | Photo: Photosport
The Wahine Warriors return to Mount Smart this weekend with a clear focus – deliver a disciplined performance against the Titans and level the season record at two wins from four.
After last week’s 36-20 loss to the Newcastle Knights, where they trailed 24-6 at half-time, head coach Ron Griffiths says this week is about “just stripping things back.”
The Warriors hurt themselves early against Newcastle, with errors and penalties that handed momentum to the opposition. Griffiths said the team must stop being its own worst enemy.
“At once point we had 21 percent of possession. You’re never going to beat a quality team like Newcastle if you keep doing that to yourself.”
Despite the loss, the second half gave reasons for belief. The Warriors opened the half with two quick tries and showed their true potential with ball in hand.
Why don't they play 40min halves in NRLW? | The Six Again Podcast
“We kicked the front door in, went down and scored, and then kicked the door in again. That's what we need to chase - the moments where we work hard for each other.”
This weekend, they welcome fresh combinations in the spine - Lydia Turua-Quedley gets her first start at halfback, with Patricia Maliepo in the six jersey.
“It was like a full circle moment,” said Turua-Quedley of reuniting with her former Auckland Rugby teammate on the park.
“We’ve had the whole pre-season together… that history together.”
She’s confident in the firepower outside her too.
“I’ve learnt that we’ve got some deadly outside backs. When we shift the ball to them… we’re unstoppable”
Union converts have been a major part of that ‘unstoppable’ nature, combining for 40 points across three games – including four tries to Payton Takimoana, two for Michaela Brake, and one each for Tysha Ikenasio and Patricia Maliepo. Maliepo has also kicked four goals.
“We can’t speak highly enough of all the rugby players and how they’ve adapted," Griffiths said.
The Titans arrive with the same record as the Warriors and plenty to prove. With the Mt Smart faithful behind them and clear lessons from Round 3, the Wahine Wahs know it’s time to lift.
Michaela Brake is proving the hype | Running It Straight
