Coach Andrew Webster during NZ Warriors training at Mt Smart, Auckland, New Zealand on Wednesday 6 March 2024. Photo credit: Andrew Cornaga / www.photosport.nz
Two-times premiership-winning coach Ronald Griffiths has been secured on a three-year deal to lead the One New Zealand Warriors back into the NRLW next season.
Griffiths (46) coached the Newcastle Knights to back-to-back NRLW grand final wins in 2022 and 2023 before taking up his current role as Newcastle’s New South Wales Cup coach this season.
“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.”
When Griffiths took over as Newcastle’s NRLW coach in 2022 campaign, the side was coming off a last place finish in its debut in the expanded competition in 2021.
Under his guidance the Knights were transformed into a dominant force posting 16 wins and just two losses en route to consecutive premiership triumphs.
“We couldn’t have a better coach to launch our NRLW return,” said One New Zealand Warriors general manager recruitment, pathways and development Andrew McFadden.
“What Ron did with the Knights in the NRLW over the last two seasons is testament to his ability to build a team from scratch. He’s also passionate about developing our pathways for the women’s game here in New Zealand.”
Griffiths said he was excited about creating a foundation for the future for the women’s game in New Zealand.
“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.
