The New Zealand Warriors have continued their impressive recruitment drive with the addition of star Black Fern Stacey Waaka on a two-year deal.
Her signing comes off the back of the previous additions of Annetta, Nu’uausala, Gayle Broughton and Mele Hufanga, all of whom won the premiership with the Brisbane Broncos this past NRLW season.
Still only 29, Waaka has enjoyed much success with the Black Ferns; two Olympic gold medals, two Rugby World Cups, a World Cup Sevens title and a Commonwealth Games win.
Used as a winger in her previous NRLW stint with the Broncos, her ability as an athlete and her leadership were keys behind signing her.
“Bringing Stacey back home to play for the Warriors is a tremendous signing coup for us,” said One New Zealand Warriors CEO Cameron George.
“She’s an exceptional athlete who immediately showed what she can do when she switched to rugby league last year.”
Warriors coach Ron Griffiths highlighted Waaka’s character as a key reason for signing her.
“We are thrilled to have Stacey join us at the One New Zealand Warriors,” said head coach Ron Griffiths.
“Her strength of character will be a wonderful fit for our flourishing culture.
“Stacey is an experienced world-class athlete and during her time in rugby league it was evident for all to see how easily she adapted to the game.”
Several factors convinced Waaka to join the Warriors; her newly bought farm in Tauranga and her friendship with former NRLW player Honey Hireme-Smiler.
“My reaction to signing with the Wahz was firstly a lot of excitement to play for the club in my home country,” Waaka said.
“I was grateful for my experience at the Broncos and everything they gave me but it was a much easier decision to be at home closer to all my family and animals, as I have just bought my own little farm in Tauranga.
“My forever mentor and practically older sister Honey Hireme-Smiler was always on my case about playing for the Wahz too, so she is also a big reason I chose to come home as she has been one of my biggest rugby inspirations since I first started playing for Waikato with her in 2014.”