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FWC: SUI vs BIH live on SN ExtraLongstanding sevens rivalry to continue in NRLW
Savannah Lendich Jonkers • June 18th, 2026 3:42 pm
Stacey Waaka fends Maddi Levi and Bridget Clark | Photo: Photosport
The movement of elite rugby sevens players into the NRLW is accelerating, with dual Olympic gold medalist Stacey Waaka eager to face familiar Australian sevens rivals in a different code.
Waaka, 30, who won gold with New Zealand sevens in the Tokyo and Paris Olympics, transitioned to rugby league in 2024 for a season with the Brisbane Broncos, and will return in 2026 with the New Zealand Warriors.
Her code switch is part of a wider trend across both New Zealand and Australia, with multiple sevens players in high demand for NRL clubs due to their speed, fitness and experience in high-performance environments.
Stacey Waaka and Tasha Ikenasio at the Wahine Warriors' 2026 NRLW season launch | Photo: Andrew Cornaga/Photosport
Australia’s sevens stars Madison Ashby (Sharks), Sariah Paki (Roosters), Teagan Levi (Titans) and Damita Betham (Knights) have all signed NRLW contracts, joining former sevens player Lily Dick, who's entering her second season at the Cowboys.
Ellia Green became the first Australian sevens player to switch to the NRLW in 2020, followed by Dominique du Toit, Evania Pelite, Emma Verran and Charlotte Caslick.
New Zealand players also followed the path with Gayle Broughton becoming the first to switch in 2022, followed by the likes of Niall Williams-Guthrie, Tyla King, Tysha Ikenasio, Michaela Brake and Tenika Willison.
Teagan Levi and Jorja Miller in a NZ vs AUS sevens clash | Photo: Photosport
Waaka told Sport Nation’s Scotty & Izzy the decision to change codes is becoming more common among sevens players who are looking for a different challenge, with Ashby and Paki only announcing the code switch on Wednesday.
“For Sariah and Madi to be joining this late in the competition, I think it's quite cool. They've obviously wanted to do a bit of what I did, change it up, change codes for a little bit.
“I think it's quite healthy for the mind, for the wairua, just to change environments, change games, learn different skills, learn different cultures and meet different people,” Waaka explained.
“That's a huge part of why we play sport, why we love it, continue thriving and I wish them well because I can't wait to play against them.”
Stacey Waaka scores for New Zealand | Photo: Photosport
New Zealand and Australia share one of the most intense and long-standing rivalries in international rugby, with no other team winning a women's sevens tournament since 2022 when Fiji won the HSBC SVNS Sevens in Toulouse.
Waaka, also known as ‘the smiling assassin’ said her transition from sevens to league was reasonably straightforward.
“For me personally the transition in positions is pretty seamless because I don't have to do all the hard work up front with the forwards, I just get to do the flashy stuff out the back and try run fast and score some tries and that probably relates over to league too.
“I'm pretty headstrong, I love learning, I love trying to beat people and I'm competitive so I think it's perfect.”
Stacey Waaka's NRLW debut in 2024 for the Brisbane Broncos | Photo: Photosport
But as the first week of NRLW pre-season looms, Waaka is currently ruled out following a head knock early in the world sevens finale at Bordeaux, before the Kiwis lost their crown to the Australian rivals, including Levi, Ashby and Paki.
However, since getting off the plane from Europe, Waaka said she has begun integrating into her new team environment at the Warriors.
“I've been in contact with the team since I've being with sevens, trying to grasp the culture, the connection, the people, because I don't actually know half of them.
“I feel like I'm the newbie going in but I'll try and add my value and experience and professionalism to the environment and share what I can with the group and vice versa with all the other experienced leagueies who can teach me a thing or two.”
Stacey Waaka and Gayle Broughton | Photo: Photosport
Waaka said she has noticed a clear influence that former sevens sister and premiership winner Gayle Broughton has on the team, alongside fellow premiership winner Mele Hufanga.
“I've already seen it. I've seen the difference that they've made with the girls. I see the comms. I see everything that they're contributing on and off the pitch”
Broughton, Hufanga and Waaka are among the Warriors recruits for 2026 alongside Wallaroo Jasmin Huriwai. They join former sevens stars Tysha Ikenasio and Shakira Baker.
Listen to the full interview below:
