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Warriors wāhine coach points to costly inexperience amid losing skid
Robbie Cuthbertson • September 3rd, 2026 7:00 am
Warriors wāhine | Photo: Photosport
Warriors NRLW coach Ron Griffiths suggests a lack of experience is factoring into the side’s recent slide.
After a promising start to their campaign, Sunday's late collapse against the Dragons resulted in the team's third consecutive defeat.
“I started to think back again to who we are,” Griffith said, prompted by Dragon star Teagan Berry's milestone 50th appearance.
“Sometimes we don't even have 50 NRLW games between us on the park.”
Griffiths urged patience around the team in their second year back in the competition, with a chance at making the playoffs still attainable.
The wāhine currently sit in 7th spot on the NRLW table, level on points with the Knights, with two games remaining before the playoffs.
“Expectations are really high on what we want to achieve and what we're going to achieve," he said.
"But we're still working through a process second year back, so we need to be a little bit patient and we'll get there when the time's right, I have no doubt.”
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Griffiths will have welcome reinforcements heading into the final two games, with captain Apii Nicholls and winger Payton Takimoana’s returns on the horizon - the latter on track to pplay this weekend.
“(Nicholls) is a slight chance of playing this week, but we won't make a decision until tonight around that,” Griffiths said.
“In our eyes, she's the best defensive fullback in the game. She's able to save tries and make the team feel comfortable through a touch, feel and a voice.”
“So that edge there, it’s got the potential to be absolutely lethal this weekend and really open them up with their speed and their power. I'm looking forward to seeing her back in the team.”
Griffiths spoke highly of the wāhine’s support before the pressure clash against the Sharks, which is the curtain raiser for the men’s team at Go Media Stadium this weekend.
“One thing about our fans is that they create a volcanic-like environment. Let's get there early on the weekend and create that for the ladies.
"No doubt it'll be a wonderful day for both teams.”
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