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FWC on Sport Nation guide‘They're in for a tough afternoon’: Griffiths warns opposition ahead of Wahine Wahs' NRLW opener
Elena Abbott • July 1st, 2026 4:08 pm
Patricia Maliepo | Photo: John Davidson/Photosport
The NRLW kicks off this week and the Wahine Warriors are coming into the 2026 season with an exciting lineup and plenty of expectation from Wahs Nation, starting with a clash in Hamilton against the Bulldogs.
Head coach Ron Griffiths told Sport Nation Breakfast on Wednesday that he wants to put the pressure on the opposition early.
“For us it's about making them feel uncomfortable every turn.
“When the wheels of the 737 hit the tarmac in Auckland, we want them to start to get that feeling to know that they're in for a tough afternoon,” he said.
The Warriors have made multiple new signings, amongst which are Black Ferns Sevens stars Gayle Broughton and Stacey Waaka.
Stacey Waaka's NRLW debut in 2024 for the Brisbane Broncos | Photo: Photosport
Griffiths believes the players’ expertise across different formats will prove to be grounding for the team.
“The reason we brought them was their experience, and we've certainly seen that over the past period of time at training,” he said.
Broughton transferred from the Brisbane Broncos, and her knowledge of the game is something Griffiths appreciates.
He believes her experience will pair well with 23-year old Patricia Maliepo, making the two of them a dangerous combination for the Bulldogs.
Gayle Broughton | Photo: John Davidson/Photosport
“Gayle's in her fifth year, Patricia's in a second, so yeah, just the combination of experience and youth and exuberance works really well together.
“She's been fantastic to be able to show the nuances and talk through what it actually looks like. There's a team within a team really,” he shared.
As for feeling the pressure himself, Griffiths isn’t fazed about any hype surrounding the team.
“Pressure is just a thought,” he said.
Listen to the full interview below:
