WARRIORS APPOINT CHAMPIONSHIP-WINNING COACH GRIFFITHS FOR NRLW RETURN

Championship-wnning coach Ronald Griffiths has been named NZ Warriors coach for the club's return to the NRL Women's competition next season.

Griffiths, 46, guided Newcastle Knights to victory in 2022 and 2023, taking over a team that had finished last on debut the previous year.

"We're absolutely thrilled to have Ron joining us for our return to the NRLW," said Warriors chief executive Cameron George. "It was critical to appoint the best possible coach for this role and we've been able to do that.

"Ron has terrific coaching pedigree and will add tremendous value to our club, as we make our way back in the NRLW."

The Warriors were among four foundation members of the women's competition in 2018, but were forced to field an Australian-based side in 2021, during the COVID-19 pandemic, and withdrew the following season, faced with another campaign across the Tasman.

The competition now consists of 10 teams, with the Warriors returning and Canterbury Bulldogs joining for the first time in 2025.

"As a family, we're so grateful to be coming over to be involved with a club that has such a proud history," said Griffiths. "It's exciting to start with a blank canvas, having the opportunity to build a women's programme from the ground up.

"I'll be working closely with the people in pathways to set up a structure that delivers sustainable success for the club, and develops players and staff from within for the future."

This season, Griffiths has coached the Newcastle men's reserves in the New South Wales Cup, while also guiding the Indigenous All-Stars to victory over Māori All-Stars the past two years.

2024-07-01T04:34:18Z dg43tfdfdgfd