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Black Ferns star Stacey Waaka signs with NRLW club
By AAP
Stacey Waaka wants to dominate the NRLW, but not before the New Zealand rugby great attempts to add to her incredible medal haul at the Paris Olympics.
The 28-year-old announced a looming code switch on Wednesday with Waaka to join the Brisbane Broncos once New Zealand's rugby sevens Games campaign concludes in late July.
She has already won two 15-a-side World Cups plus sevens gold at the 2020 Olympics, 2018 Commonwealth Games and the 2018 World Cup.
Australians Evania Pelite (Gold Coast) and Emma Tonegato (St George Illawarra) have lit up NRLW after winning gold medals at rugby sevens' Rio 2016 debut, while Kiwi sevens star Gayle Broughton made the move in 2022.
"I'd be lying if I said I wasn't nervous about joining the Broncos family this season, because I know the success they've had in the past," Waaka said of joining the three-time title winners.
"I will do everything in my power to be the best league player I can be when my time comes.
"I've watched this team with a lot of interest from afar, especially with my good mate Gayle in the squad who has excelled so highly since switching codes.
"She alongside other former rugby teammates have all inspired me to take up this new sport."
Brisbane's NRLW coach Scott Prince said Waaka could be a beacon for others looking to switch codes.
"It's very exciting for someone of her calibre to join the ranks," he said.
"Her record speaks for itself. I'm looking forward to seeing what she'll produce on a league field.
"She'll make an impact with high-flying strong runs. She's an excitement machine along the edge."
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Latest Comments
Always proud of the effort, Sam. The All blacks never stop fighting, never just roll over. He didn’t get anywhere near the respect he earned, but that’s due to results, not commitment to the cause. Have fun dominating in Japan!
Go to commentsNot sure why Papali’i thinks Scott Robertson needs his help to select the next All Black Captain. In my view, Papali’i would be well advised to have a good hard look at his own game, and to reflect on how fortunate he is to even wear the black jersey. Rather than shouting at his team mates at every set piece, standing in the mid-field pointing and holding his arms out and flopping to the ground at the back of every second or third ruck, may I suggest he would be far better employed actually doing something on the field. Seriously, watch him for 10 minutes during a game - not much happens. When was the last time he was first to a breakdown, or actually made a turnover? If Robertson is half the Coach I think he is, Papali’i will not be anywhere near the AB’s this season.
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