\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
And that hunger and commitment paid off, with Griffiths initially giving Huriwai no guarantees.<\/p>\n
\u201cJay made a significant personal sacrifice by moving herself from Australia of her own volition,\u201d he said.<\/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 got very emotional when offered a contract.<\/p>\n
\u201cI just started bawling my eyes out, and, yeah, pretty much cried that whole day. 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
\u201cBut now, since being here, I\u2019ve loved every single moment. I can\u2019t wait to play, I\u2019m so keen.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Warriors start pre-season training next month before kicking off their season against the Bulldogs in Hamilton on July 5.<\/p>\n