Commonwealth Games
League
Rugby
Football
Cricket
Golf
Sport Nation
Racing
Motorsport
Netball
Combat Sports
Basketball
Other Sports
Warriors NRLW pumped for Mele Hufanga debut
Savannah Lendich Jonkers • July 30th, 2026 11:58 am
Mele Hufanga | Photo: Andrew Cornaga/Photosport
Mele Hufanga’s long-awaited Warriors NRLW debut has brought a fresh wave of excitement through the squad, with teammates and coaches eager to see the powerful centre finally unleashed.
After building her way back toward full fitness following a premiership win with the Broncos, Hufanga is set to add strike power to a dangerous left edge featuring Stacey Waaka and Shakira Baker, a combination Gayle Broughton believes are a serious threat to other teams.
Broughton, who also transferred from the Broncos told Sport Nation's Scotty & Izzy, “Look, it's very simple, you just give her the ball and she'll do her thing.
“I'm so excited to have Mele back, it's been a hot minute. Obviously (the) last time we played together was in the grand final.
Gayle Broughton and Mele Hufanga | Photo: Andrew Cornaga/Photosport
Broughton said Hufanga’s return from a hamstring injury has been built on patience and strength after a long period away from the field.
“She's been awesome. I think she's just been slowly building her strength back and her confidence back in her body, but man she's looking good.
“I wish people could see the mahi that she's putting in week in and week out to get back to that field so I'm excited to watch her, more so than anyone just do her thing.”
Mele Hufanga on her individual brilliance | Scotty & Izzy
And the return of the 31-year-old Kiwi Fern couldn’t have come at a better time with the Warriors set to face a tough Gold Coast Titans side who sit just ahead on the NRLW ladder at Magic Round on Saturday.
“She's just a different calibre of a player. You give her the ball early and she'll have a crack and I think that's really how we get her involved this weekend. Just get involved early, give her the ball early, and hopefully the rest is history.”
Coach Ron Griffiths said the excitement around Hufanga’s debut is not limited to the playing group, with the fan base also eager to see one of the team’s most anticipated recruits in action.
“I think the whole of the Warriors supportive fan base are excited, I think everyone’s been waiting, she's the most talked about player in our NRLW team.
“With Mele, she walks in for training and she might not be feeling 100% all the time, but she gives you 100%.
“Every player feels that energy when she's there so this week it's going to be even more. Getting close to the game, she'll be excitable, that's for sure.”
Listen to the full interview below:
