Warriors Women Stuck Seventh as Injuries and Suspensions Bite in 2026 NRLW Season
The New Zealand Warriors women's side has slipped to seventh on the NRLW standings, sitting on four wins and five losses after a season that has fallen well short of pre-competition expectations, according to RNZ Sport.
In their second year back in the competition, the Warriors were tipped as title contenders after signing Hufanga, Stacey Waaka and Gayle Broughton from Australian clubs before round one. That promise has not translated into results.
Head coach Ron Griffiths told RNZ Sport he had set ambitious targets for the squad that have not been met, but said the difficulties of 2026 would ultimately shape the group into a better team.
Griffiths pointed to injuries, suspensions and the logistical burden of travel as factors behind a lack of consistency on the field.
He also acknowledged ongoing challenges around training schedules, with many players balancing employment and parenting alongside their football commitments.
Lauitiiti Ruled Out for Final Two Rounds
Compounding the Warriors' difficulties is a season-ending suspension for young prop Ivana Lauitiiti.
The 20-year-old was banned for two matches after a dangerous contact charge stemming from last weekend's 22-18 defeat to the Roosters, when she made contact with the legs of halfback Kasey Reh during a charge-down attempt.
Griffiths said Lauitiiti was remorseful and had not intended to hurt anyone. He also noted that coaching staff have a responsibility to ensure players understand the rules around charging down kicks.
Squad Reshuffled for Sharks Fixture
With Lauitiiti unavailable, warriors.kiwi reported that Metanoia Fetalaiga joins the interchange bench for Saturday's round 10 clash with the Cronulla Sutherland Sharks at Go Media Stadium.
Captain Kaiyah Atai shifts to loose forward, while Maarire Puketapu front rower movement returns to the second row. The remainder of the starting lineup is unchanged from the side that lost 14-18 to St George Illawarra last Sunday.
Kick-off is set for 2.30pm on Saturday.
Griffiths Banks on Long-Term Progress
Griffiths was direct in his assessment of 2026. He told RNZ that the consistent application of club values is what the side will rely on to build steadier performances, and that the current struggles are part of a longer process rather than a ceiling.
He stressed the squad is capable of testing any team in the competition but acknowledged there is still significant work to do across the organisation as a whole.
With one regular season match remaining after Saturday, the Warriors have little margin to improve their ladder position before finals contention is decided.