Warriors sign a third Broncos NRLW winner
- harrisonryburn18
- Oct 10
- 2 min read
Annetta Nuuausala has become the third Broncos NRLW premiership winner signed in a week to the New Zealand Warriors.
The powerful front rower will join on a three-year contract from 2026.
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The 30-year-old Aucklander’s continues a signing spree which has seen the Warriors also acquire Mele Hufanga and Gayle Broughton from the NRLW Premiership winning Brisbane Broncos side.
Nuuausala previously played for the Warriors in their first season in the NRLW competition, making four appearances across two campaigns.
She has since played for the Newcastle Knights and the Broncos, culminating with her first NRLW Premiership win at Accor Stadium last Sunday afternoon.
“Having watched Netta from afar, and 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.
“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.
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. She's played at two Rugby League World Cups in 2017 and 2022, making her Kiwi Ferns debut in 2016.
Nuuausala switched to Fetu Sāmoa in 2023, leading her nation to the Pacific Bowl title as captain 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.
