\u201cSince my son came into the world, I\u2019ve found a new passion and purpose around life,\u201d Broughton said. \u201cI used to think I understood motivation and drive, but becoming a parent changes that completely.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy son teaches me something new every day. It\u2019s definitely a learning curve \u2013 it\u2019s the type of role where you have to roll with the punches.<\/p>\n
\u201cFrom the moment I knew my son was coming home to his whenua [country], it was a no-brainer. To have him back around his cousins, his people and his culture \u2013 once I knew that, the decision was made.\u201d<\/p>\n
While many will know Broughton from her days with the Black Ferns Sevens \u2013 claiming silver and gold at the Rio and Tokyo Olympics respectively \u2013 rugby league is in her blood, having played the sport at a young age before switching codes due to the lack of pathways for girls.<\/p>\n
Being part of the Warriors is something Broughton is excited about. She is likely to partner Patricia Maliepo in the halves, and her experience will be vital as the Auckland side push for a maiden trip to the NRLW finals.<\/p>\n
The Warriors were one of the NRLW\u2019s four foundation clubs when the competition launched in 2018, taking part in the competition\u2019s first three seasons before the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic forced them to withdraw.<\/p>\n
They returned last year as part of a 12-team competition, finishing eighth, and will be expected to improve in 2026. Prop Annetta Nu\u2019uausala and centre Mele Hufanga have also made the switch from the Broncos, while Stacey Waaka \u2013 a former Black Ferns Sevens teammate of Broughton \u2013 has also signed with the club.<\/p>\n
Gayle Broughton during the 2025 NRLW grand final. Photo \/ Photosport<\/p>\n
\u201cTo watch them come back the way they did and not only make a statement in their first year back, I was really proud of the girls,\u201d Broughton said.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou\u2019ve got Payton [Takimoana], the reigning Dally M winger on one side and Stacey on the other, it\u2019s a scary thought. Their middles were amazing and they are hard to tackle, so I can only imagine what this year\u2019s going to be like.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think us coming into play will just add to the flavour they already have. I\u2019m so excited to be part of the crew and be back home.\u201d<\/p>\n
Before that, Broughton will feature in her second All Stars match next month, having also played in the 2023 edition in Rotorua, where she claimed the Trish Hina Medal as player of the match in the M\u0101ori side\u2019s 16-12 win.<\/p>\n
She is coming off her \u201cfavourite year\u201d across her entire footy career and easily her best NRLW season to date, having been named five-eighth in the Dally M Team of the Year. For Broughton, representing her culture \u2013 as a member of Ng\u0101ti Ruahine and Ng\u0101ti Ruanui \u2013 remains central to her identity.<\/p>\n
Gayle Broughton leads the haka during the 2023 NRL All Stars match. Photo \/ Photosport<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s such a strong, culturally immersed weekend \u2013 everyone just getting around our people and our culture,\u201d Broughton said.<\/p>\n
\u201cA lot of the girls who represent the team didn\u2019t grow up in New Zealand. They didn\u2019t get the honour of living and breathing te reo M\u0101ori in Aotearoa.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s a profound honour for myself, but I feel so proud and happy for the girls who didn\u2019t grow up around the culture and now get to fully learn about their identity. The more you know about your culture, the more you know about who you are.\u201d<\/p>\n
Another goal Broughton has set for 2026 is selection for the Kiwi Ferns at the 2026 Rugby League World Cup. She played three tests for New Zealand in 2024, but says the chance to play at the sport\u2019s pinnacle event would cap a special period in her life.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat was a huge honour \u2013 representing my culture, my last name, my wh\u0101nau, my friends, but most of all my country,\u201d Broughton said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve got a game in Christchurch, which will be amazing, and games in Newcastle and the Gold Coast as well.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve had the honour of playing in some pretty big moments in my life, but to play in a Rugby League World Cup specifically would definitely be the end goal.\u201d<\/p>\n