The Warriors face an immense challenge to sneak into the top six, as they head to Hamilton to host the in-form, star-studded Broncos.
Photo: Bruce Lim/www.photosport.nz
A lot will need to go the Warriors women’s way if they are to sneak into the NRLW playoffs.
The side sits in seventh spot on the ladder, but are three points shy of the Titans in sixth, leaving them needing results to go there way for a top six finish.
However, head coach Ron Griffiths has said from the start of the season that the results were nt a focus in 2025, as the club look to build a legacy.
“We certainly haven’t even spoken about mathematically making the semis. It’s just about how do we finish the year and if things do fall our way, well we’ll take that in our stride and keep working on it from there.”
Griffiths admits they will be left to rue several missed opportunities this season.
“There are four games that we have been in and we thought we probably should have won all four. Not should have. Definitely could have.”
He also believed that fatigue was a festering factor plaguing the side.
“We didn’t train last night because we thought we’re absolutely cooked. The reality is it’s long and arduous season, it’s a grind, and if you look at our level of NRLW experience, it’s minimal. So they’re unsure how to get through the season, get through those moments when it’s really tough.”
As well as the consistent trips across the Tasman, majority of the squad are also juggling job commitments.
“I think the travel’s the other layer that we haven’t fully understood the magnitude of. When they fly back in on, say a Sunday night, they’ve got to go back to work on top of what we’re doing. So no doubt it has an impact.”
Unfortunately, Griffiths cant see this reality changing anytime soon.
“I think we’re a way off yet. I think the next TV rights agreement, no doubt, the salary capital increase and the game will grow, but I don’t see the game growing too fast over the next period of time.”
The Warriors face an immense challenge to sneak into the top six, as they head to Hamilton to host the in-form, star-studded Broncos outfit.
“Once this team takes the field, they understand that they get out of bed the same way as they (their opposition) do and put their shoes on the same way. That’s one thing about the team , they’re not intimidated by anyone.”
Despite the difficult season, Griffiths feels they are building strongly towards next season, and he plans to be a part of it, quashing rumours he may be a contender to take over the head coaching role at the Newcastle Knights.
“I love the club and I think one thing about Newcastle is they’re very parochial in terms of they want to promote people from within, but the reality is I’m certainly not ready for that and I’ve made a commitment here.”
However, he will not rule out putting his hand up in future.
“I’d love to be the first Aboriginal coach to coach NRLW and NRL. When I first started coaching 25 years ago, I always had an aspiration of being an NRL coach. Obviously at this point in time I’m doing a job that is prestigious and it’s helping me grow as a father and a husband, but also as a coach, it’s given me so many good lessons, but it’d be marvellous to be able to achieve both.”
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