Baker backs new-look Wahine Warriors halves

Savannah Lendich Jonkers • July 16th, 2026 2:03 pm

Emmanita Paki | Photo: Photosport

Wahine Warriors second-rower and former Black Fern Shakira Baker has backed the team's reshuffled halves pairing to front up this week after Gayle Broughton was ruled out with injury, saying the side has plenty of class and composure steering the team.

With Emmanita Paki stepping into five-eighth to replace Broughton against the Cowboys at Go Media Stadium on Saturday, Baker has full faith the playmaker has the ability to handle the role.

She told Sport Nation’s Scotty & Izzy: “It's her first game at half this season, but I think her IQ is out of this world, like she knows the game like the back of her hand and she leads by example.”

Shakira Baker and Emmanita Paki tackle Teagan Berry | Photo: Photosport

Former sevens sensation turned Warriors five-eighth Broughton went down with a last minute injury after carving up the Hamilton pitch in round one and being awarded the maximum Dally M points.

Baker also praised halfback Patricia Maliepo’s continued transition from rugby union to league, pointing to her kicking game as a major weapon.

“Patricia, her skill set from union to league now, her kicking game is unmatched.

“It's awesome to have that calibre of skill set within our halves and to guide us through on the field is pretty important but I'm looking forward to playing alongside Emmanita Paki.

“We're pretty lucky to have them as our halves this week,” she explained.

Patricia Maliepo | Photo: Photosport

The Warriors are looking to bounce back after last weekend’s 42-16 defeat to the Raiders, with Baker noting the squad had taken a hard look at themselves during the week, and even added additional training to their schedules.

“Last night we had a pretty physical session with body on body, we didn't really do that previously, just looking after our bodies but the girls are feeling good, the girls are feeling amped walking away from that session last night, it was really good.”

It came from a clear desire to make sure last week’s performance is not repeated.

Shakira Baker congratulates Tysha Ikenasio on her try | Photo: Photosport

“We never want to put out that performance again and taking a good look at ourselves, having a self-reflection about what we could have done better and just our attitude towards everything.

“We sort of are raring to go and to put on a performance.

“I think the girls are focused, we were disappointed with our result last week, but we flipped the switch and we're ready to go.”

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Listen to the full interview below: