Work has started at last for Warriors NRLW head coach Ron Griffiths and his players as the countdown proper begins for the club’s return to the competition after a five-year absence.
Some 55 days out from their first game back, they assembled and met as a group for the first time on Monday, a long-awaited chance for an excited Griffiths and his equally energised players and staff to start putting the pieces of the puzzle together.
It was last September when Griffiths announced Kiwi Ferns fullback and 2018 foundation Warrior Apii Nicholls as the first player signed for the club’s comeback campaign while late last week Avery-Rose Carmont was confirmed as the last player signed on the 24-strong roster.
Monday was all about meeting and greeting as the players settled into their base at Go Media Stadium. Previously used by the Oceania Football Confederation, the space has been refurbished including locker rooms with personalised spaces for each player. Out in front, the well-prepared #4 field is the team’s training venue.
On Tuesday the players were back on site, joined by a large group of One New Zealand Warriors staff led by CEO Cameron George and NRL head coach Andrew Webster, for a blessing of the premises by Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei.
“It’s fantastic,” Griffiths said of the blessing experience.
“There’s no greater feeling than having the building blessed by the custodians Ngāti Whātua. In years to come these moments will be etched in history. This is what the foundation of the NRLW Warriors has been laid on.
“We get to tie in with the foundation that’s already there from our men and the legacy they’re leaving. It’s important to acknowledge them and remember them.
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NRLW Head Coach Ronald Griffiths
“Today it’s important to get some connection. I know the players are excited to get the football in their hands.”
Absent on Monday and Tuesday was star signing Michaela Brake – who has just finished her Black Ferns rugby union commitments – but she joined the group on Wednesday for a full-on day revolving around outfitting and internal media requirements.
Away from headquarters connections have already been forged with a number of players flatting together.
Tyra Wetere, Payton Takimoana, Matekino Gray and Emmanita Paki have set up house together as have Michaela Brake, Shakira Baker and Maarire Puketapu and Emily Curtain, Felila Kia and Lavinia Kitai.
