Powerful front rower Annetta Nuuausala has made it three Broncos NRLW premiership winners signed in week after being locked in on a three-year contract with the One New Zealand Warriors from 2026.
The 30-year-old Aucklander’s signing extends an exceptional signing spree which has seen the Warriors announce the acquisition of Nuuausala’s fellow grand final-winning teammates Mele Hufanga on Wednesday and Gayle Broughton soon after Brisbane’s 22-18 victory over the Roosters on Sunday night.
Nuuausala, Broughton and Hufanga count a total of 104 NRLW games between them.
Not only will Nuuausala return home after five years away but she’ll also revive her career with the Warriors where she was a foundation player in their first season in the competition in 2018, marking her round one debut with a thunderous tackle on Roosters loose forward Zahara Temara.
She subsequently had a season with Newcastle during the Covid era in 2022 before moving to the Broncos for the last four years culminating in her first NRLW premiership.
“Having watched Netta from afar develop and grow into the cornerstone of the Broncos’ pack, we were extremely keen to bring her home to the One New Zealand Warriors,” said head coach Ron Griffiths.
“During our discussion with Netta it was her belief in culture and family that consolidated our thoughts that her inclusion in our squad would be hugely advantageous for both parties.
“A robust, fearless middle who leads by her actions, Netta’s experience will be a welcome addition to our pack.”
Nuuausala boasts 35 NRLW appearances, the last 26 for the Broncos where she averaged 99 metres a game while making a total of 59 tackle breaks and 338 tackles in helping the club to its first grand final since 2020.
She said the appeal of returning to New Zealand was a key factor in her signing.
“Meeting Ron was scary at first but somewhat exciting,” said Nuuausala.
“I dealt with him briefly in 2022 but after meeting him again to discuss my plans for 2026 it felt like the right time to come home.
“I’m big on culture and family so to hear those two things as his top priority was convincing. “Now that I’ve accomplished everything I wanted to with the Broncos, I feel like the timing is right.
“During these last five years being away from home, I feel like I’ve grown heaps from the very shy and inexperienced 23-year-old I was to now, a leader and premiership winner.
“All thanks to the Broncos for making Brisbane my home away from home. I know I’ll be a much better person and player for the Warriors come 2026.”
As NRLW Warrior #8, Nuuausala will become just the second foundation player in the club’s squad next season when she is reunited with 2018 teammate Apii Nicholls (#2).
As well as her NRLW appearances, she banks further experience from a total of 17 Tests for the Kiwi Ferns and Fetu Sāmoa; making her Kiwi Ferns debut in 2016, she played at two Rugby League World Cups in 2017 and 2022.
Nuuausala switched to Fetu Sāmoa in 2023, becoming captain last year when she led the side to three straight victories to win the Pacific Bowl title in the Pacific Championships. She has again been named captain for this year’s series which starts with a clash against the Kiwi Ferns at Go Media Stadium on Sunday, October 19.
Her brother Frank-Paul was in the One New Zealand Warriors’ system as junior before going on to carve out a successful professional career with the Sydney Roosters, Canberra Raiders and Wigan Warriors while he also played 15 Tests for the Kiwis, including the 2010 Four Nations win.
Profile | Annetta Nuuausala
Born: January 22, 1995
Birthplace: Auckland, NZ
Clubs: Otara Scorpions, Mangere East Hawks, Marist Saints, Richmond Roses, Point Chevalier Pirates
Position: Prop
Height: 175cm
Weight: 105kg
Warriors NRLW No: 8
NRLW debut: Warriors v Sydney Roosters, ANZ Stadium, Sydney, September 8, 2018 (Rd 1)
NRLW career: 35 appearances (2018-2025)
Warriors: 4 appearances (2018-2019)
Newcastle Knights: 5 appearances (2022)
Brisbane Broncos: 26 appearances (2022-2025)
NRLW points: 20 (5 tries)
Representative: 17 Tests (2016-2024)
Kiwi Ferns: 13 Tests (2016-2022)
Kiwi Ferns points: 12 (3 tries)
Fetu Sāmoa: 4 Tests (2023-2024)
Fetu Sāmoa points: 12 (3 tries)
