Warriors in Business shines spotlight on NRLW return

Author: warriors.kiwi
Timestamp: Wed 25 Jun 2025, 08:37 AM

The second Warriors in Business function of the year shone the spotlight on the return of the One New Zealand Warriors women's team to the NRLW competition.

Staged in picturesque surrounding at the Royal Akarana Yacht Club in Ōrākei, it was a chance for Warriors in Business members and guests to hear from One New Zealand Warriors women's head coach Ron Griffiths, mental skills coach Kylie Wilson and star signing Michaela Brake (née Blyde) as preparations for the season ramped up.

Griffiths, a two-times NRLW premiership-winning coach with Newcastle, is highly regarded with a strong background in elite rugby league environments. He outlined the foundations being laid as the Warriors build towards their historic return.

“That connection part is obviously very important and in those early meetings with players, performance is the furthest thing from my mind,” said Griffiths.

“Once in our building, my focus is always on getting to know the person first. Who are they? What’s their background? Bringing their family in and understanding what makes them tick - long before a ball is kicked. The connection starts from day one.”

The luncheon provided valuable insight into the team’s off-field approach, with a strong emphasis on connection, culture and professionalism, values shared across both the NRL and NRLW squads.

Black Ferns sevens superstar Brake brings experience and leadership to the squad and spoke about the pride she takes in professionalism on and off the field.

“To me, success is achieving my goals and, if I fall short, recalibrating and understanding that trying my best is success,” she said.

“I take a lot of pride in my professionalism and being a leader off the field.”

The Warriors in Business initiative continues to grow as a cornerstone of the club’s commercial engagement strategy, offering partners and sponsors unique access to the inner workings of the club while creating a space for meaningful connection and shared values.

The One New Zealand Warriors open their 2025 campaign against defending premiers the Sydney Roosters at Allianz Stadium on Sunday, July 6 (1.50pm NZT).