New Zealand-born Australian rugby union international Jasmin Huriwai has been signed by the One New Zealand Warriors for the 2026 NRLW season.<\/p>\n
The 32-year-old Auckland-born halfback, who moved to Australia at a young age, has been in the Brumbies\u2019 Super Rugby side for the past three seasons and has played six Tests for the Wallaroos since her debut in 2023.<\/p>\n
One New Zealand Warriors NRLW head coach Ron Griffiths was impressed by lengths Huriwai went to in her quest for a contract.<\/p>\n
\u201cJay made a significant personal sacrifice by moving herself from Australia of her own volition,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn our initial discussion there were no guarantees that she would secure an NRLW contract only an opportunity to play in the Kath Wharton and possibly secure a contract.<\/p>\n
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We are elated she has earned her opportunity, and the sacrifice she has made speaks volumes for her character<\/p>\n
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\n\t\tRon Griffiths
\n\t\tOne New Zealand Warriors NRLW head coach
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<\/p>\n
\u201cJay\u2019s resolve to succeed has paid her back. We are elated she has earned her opportunity, and the sacrifice she has made speaks volumes for her character.\u201d<\/p>\n
Huriwai said she was overwhelmed when she learned she had a deal.<\/p>\n
\u201cVery emotional. When Ron told me he said it in a very subtle way and it took me a bit to process it,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy partner was with me and she was nudging me like she knew what he said and then I just started bawling my eyes out, and, yeah, pretty much cried that whole day.\u201d<\/p>\n
Huriwai\u2019s manager and former Warrior Tyran Smith had put her in contact with Griffiths.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe sent my details to Ron and then Ron gave me a call, we spoke briefly but he pretty much said he liked my style of footy and then asked if I wanted to come to New Zealand and play in the Kath Wharton tournament,\u201d said Huriwai.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe didn\u2019t make it easy for me, Ron, but he did say that he wanted to see what and who I am about. I appreciate him for that, though. It made me even hungrier to want to make it.\u201d<\/p>\n
Making the decision to switch from rugby union to rugby league was straightforward.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt wasn\u2019t a tough call honestly. The only tough part about it was packing up my whole life in Australia to take a chance in New Zealand as this wasn\u2019t a guaranteed signing,\u201d said Huriwai.<\/p>\n
\u201cI thank my partner for trusting in the process as she was the one who pushed me to take this opportunity with both hands and run with it. Enjoy every moment and have fun she said.\u201d<\/p>\n
After some initial fears, Huriwai said she is revelling in being in New Zealand.<\/p>\n
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I\u2019ve lived in Australia for a long time and, at first, I was nervous and scared because I\u2019ve never been in New Zealand for longer than two weeks since moving to Australia<\/p>\n
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\n\t\tJasmin Huriwai
\n\t\tOne New Zealand Warriors NRLW signing
\n\t
<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve lived in Australia for a long time and, at first, I was nervous and scared because I\u2019ve never been in New Zealand for longer than two weeks since moving to Australia.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut now, since being here, I\u2019ve loved every single moment. Being back has felt like a long holiday and I\u2019m just enjoying every bit. Loving the food, seeing my family and fishing would be my favourite thing here. I would do it every day if I could. But honestly, I can’t wait to play, I\u2019m so keen!<\/p>\n
\u201cJust want to thank Ron and his amazing wife for giving me this opportunity and taking a chance on me. I can\u2019t wait to get out there and do my thing.<\/p>\n
\u201cAlso, to my beautiful partner Harmony, thank you for being there for me even when I doubt myself. You always pull through and make everything better.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
The One New Zealand Warriors start preseason training next month before kicking off their season against the Bulldogs in Hamilton on July 5.<\/p>\n
Profile | Jasmin Huriwai<\/p>\n
Born: September 27, 1993
Birthplace: Auckland, NZ
Junior club: Canley Heights Dragons, NSW
Position: Halfback
Height: 168cm
Weight: 70kg
Rugby union career:
Super Rugby: 16 appearances for Brumbies (2023-2025)
Representative: 6 Tests for Wallaroos (2023-2025)<\/p>\n
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