Just-crowned NRLW premiership winner and dual New Zealand international Gayle Broughton has been officially confirmed as the One New Zealand Warriors’ first key acquisition for the 2026 NRLW season.
In a major signing coup, the multiple Black Ferns rugby union sevens title winner has been lured from the star-studded Brisbane Broncos on a two-year deal to the end of the 2027 season.
The 29-year-old Hāwera-born playmaker, who switched to the NRLW in 2022, became an NRLW premier in her second grand final appearance in Sunday's 22-18 win over the Roosters at Accor Stadium in Sydney.
Her rugby league transition followed a rugby union sevens career which produced Olympic and Commonwealth Games gold medals, an Olympic silver medal, Rugby World Cup gold and six World Rugby Sevens series titles.
“Gayle is a wonderful acquisition for our club, a person of great character,” said One New Zealand Warriors head coach Ron Griffiths.
“Equally adept with run, pass and kick options, this makes her a constant threat.
“Having completed her fourth NRLW season and played in her second grand final and won it, Gayle’s experience and steady hand is the key addition to our team from next season.”
Ahead of the grand final Broughton said a key factor in her decision to sign with the Warriors was the desire for her and partner Tahlia Lawrence to be closer to family with their young son Eastyn.
“(The decision) was based around my son. My partner's whānau as well, they're all back in New Zealand,” she said.
“If there’s one thing I’ve learnt since becoming a parent… there’s always two of you. Some things are just bigger than footy and especially when it comes to your children.
“I'll do anything for my son. I'd move heaven and earth for him. If that means moving back home to make sure that we’ve got more support, then I'll jump on the first plane there. I'm excited to get back to New Zealand.”
Starting her NRLW career with the Parramatta Eels in 2022, Broughton was initially used at fullback, helping the Eels to the grand final where they were beaten by the Ron Griffiths-coached Newcastle Knights.
Playing in the #1 jersey, she was ecstatic after producing a player of the match performance for the Māori All Stars in their 16-12 win over the Indigenous All Stars in Rotorua in 2023.
On moving to the Broncos she was developed into a five eighth where she partnered the influential Ali Brigginshaw.
Broughton underlined her ability this season by being awarded the Dally M Five Eighth of the year accolade at the Dally M Medal presentation in Sydney on Wednesday night. In 13 appearances she has 12 try assists, nine line break assists, four line breaks, six off loads and 20 tackle breaks (eight in the grand final alone).
Profile | Gayle Broughton
Born: June 5, 1996
Birthplace: Hāwera, NZ
Clubs: Hāwera Hawks (rugby league), Southern (rugby union)
Position: Standoff
Height: 173cm
Weight: 70kg
NRLW debut: Parramatta Eels v Sydney Roosters, CommBank Stadium, Sydney, August 20, 2022 (Rd 1)
NRLW career: 36 appearances (2022-2025)
Parramatta Eels: 7 appearances (2022)
Brisbane Broncos: 29 appearances (2023-2025)
NRLW points: 36 (9 tries)
Representative: 3 Tests for Kiwi Ferns (2024), Māori All Stars (2023)
Rugby union:
Black Ferns Sevens career: 112 appearances (2014-2021)
Black Ferns Sevens points: 315 (63 tries)
Honours:
Team:
Gold medallist 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games
Gold medallist 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games
Gold medallist 2018 Rugby World Cup Sevens, San Francisco
Silver medallist 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games
Six World Sevens series wins
2018 Halberg Awards team of the year
