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Waaka sees full time future as key to NRLW growth
Jaxin Daniels • July 22nd, 2026 4:52 pm
Stacey Waaka on her way to scoring her first try in a Warriors jersey | Photo: Joshua Devenie / www.photosport.nz
Stacey Waaka believes the NRLW can reach another level if it becomes full time professional, saying the connection, preparation and culture built in that environment can make a major difference.
Speaking on Sport Nation Afternoons, the new Warriors recruit reflected on the contrast between her time in the Black Ferns Sevens programme and her move into rugby league, where she is still adjusting to a very different weekly routine and playing style.
Waaka said the sevens environment is shaped by the amount of time players spend together, from training and recovery to analysis and off field work. That shared time, she believes, helps build the kind of connection that can translate into performance.
“We live and breathe together from Monday to Friday,” Waaka said.
"So there is that tight connection and that's where I hope league gets to soon.”
Waaka said if the NRLW eventually becomes full time, the benefits would be felt across all parts of the game.
“It'll just accelerate to another level in terms of analysis, recovery, training, everything, the connection between players and management.”
The Olympic gold medallist and world champion has already spoken with Warriors staff about how she can share parts of her sevens experience with the squad. She said those conversations have included coaches, trainers and physios, with a focus on how both environments can learn from each other.
At the same time, Waaka is conscious of not trying to force too much too quickly. She said some players are still learning rugby league, while also adapting to the standards and expectations of a professional setup.
“For me it's a good self-awareness of when I can chime in, when I can kind of help and then when to just kind of step back and be like it's okay, have some empathy here because they just don't know what they don't know.”
While Waaka is still learning the game herself, she believes she can help raise standards through competitiveness, preparation and daily habits. She said that mindset is something she naturally brings from the Black Ferns Sevens environment.
“I hate losing, but I also love challenging others,” the World Cup winner said.
"If we can get that camaraderie in the gym, on the field, everywhere, then it's only going to lift everyone else.”
Her own move into league has come with significant adjustments. Waaka said the longer matches have been one of the clearest differences after years of playing sevens, where games are shorter and opportunities can come more often.
“Extremely different. I look up at the clock and I'm like, oh, we've still got 15 minutes to go. But it's cool, it's a cool different challenge.”
The smiling assassin in action at Mount Smart | Photo: Joshua Devenie / www.photosport.nz
Waaka said league is a more compact and physical game, with fewer chances to find space. In sevens, she was used to constantly looking for gaps and getting regular touches. In league, she has had to learn to stay patient and make sure she takes her opportunities when they arrive.
The Warriors have already experienced the highs and lows of the NRLW competition, responding to a heavy defeat with a much improved performance against the Cowboys.
Waaka praised coach Ron Griffiths for keeping the group positive while still demanding a response.
“He's a great positive coach and he gave us the kick up the bum last week, I'm not going to lie.”
She said the review process gave the players a chance to be honest with each other about where they needed to improve, without allowing one result to derail their season.
“Because one loss ain't gonna define our season at the end of the day.”
Waaka said the Warriors responded by improving their discipline, holding the ball for longer periods and finishing their chances.
The challenge now is making sure that response becomes the standard.
“We need to keep winning and being consistent in our actions on attack, on defence, whatever the game throws at us because it's a tough competition.”
For Waaka, the message is simple. The Warriors are still building, but the more time players are able to spend together in a professional environment, the faster both the club and the wider NRLW can grow.
Listen to the full interview below:
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