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‘We’re Wahs now’: Gayle Broughton amped to make mark in lethal team
Savannah Lendich Jonkers • May 28th, 2026 6:00 am
Gayle Broughton | Photo: Photosport
Former Brisbane Bronco and rugby sevens star Gayle Broughton is back on New Zealand shores and itching to make her debut for the Wahine Warriors.
The 2025 NRLW Premiership winning five-eighth said when she opposed the Warriors in Hamilton last year, it was obvious the squad was filled with mana and pride.
“I knew at that point that I was coming home, so it was a bittersweet moment getting to play them at home and play in front of my whanau."
The visit to New Zealand also gave her the opportunity to come across Warriors coach Ron Griffiths in a FMG Stadium hallway, which further established her connection to the Warriors.
Broughton had initially planned to play alongside longtime ‘sevens sister’ and Warriors winger Michaela Brake who announced her pregnancy during the 2025 NRLW season.
Stacey Waaka and Gayle Broughton | Photo: Photosport
But Stacey Waaka who played in the Black Ferns Sevens team and for the Broncos in 2023 and 2024 alongside Broughton, is set to debut for the Warriors.
As are former Broncos teammates Mele Hufanga and Annetta Nuuausala who were also part of the 2025 NRLW Premiership winning team.
Broughton said knowing the former teammates were going to the Warriors also played a large role in her homecoming decision.
“We're grateful with how things went in Brisbane last year and the last three years but we're Wahs now and we walk towards that.
Mele Hufanga | Photo: Photosport
“I think the expectation from Ron early was just to be ourselves, we didn't have to be anyone we didn't want to be and just contribute in the best way as a teammate."
With round one only just over a month away, Broughton is eager to find her voice within the squad that will help inspire the next generation.
“There's amazing talent across the whole board, from our middles to our outside backs. It's a pretty lethal team on paper,” she said.
Coach Ron Griffiths acknowledged the big signings over the off-season, following a great first year back for the Wahine Warriors after a five year hiatus.
Wahine Wahs "building something special" with recruitment for 2026 NRLW season | Scotty & Izzy
"I think one thing that we probably identified last year was we needed a little bit more experience and Gayle and Mele and Annetta certainly provide that and then you've got Stacey who's a world class athlete so she brings a different skill set.
He said that last week the new recruits were beginning to show leadership, with Broughton even taking control of the team huddle making him excited for what's to come.
Sport Nation's dedicated NRLW podcast Six Again hosted by Pip Morris will return closer to the season.
