New Zealand Black Ferns Sevens Stacey Waaka smiles as she comes in for a try in Hong Kong, 2023 Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Black Ferns star Stacey Waaka will switch codes and play for the Brisbane Broncos following the Paris Olympics.
Waaka first represented New Zealand at fifteens in 2015 and went on to play 25 games, winning the World Cup twice in 2017 and 2021.
The 28 year old has played more than a hundred games for the Black Ferns Sevens, winning Olympic, Commonwealth Games and World Cup gold medals.
"I'd be lying if I said I wasn't nervous about joining the Broncos family this season, because I know the success they've had in the past, but I'm also so thrilled about this new and exciting opportunity," Waaka told the NRL club.
"I know I'll get the best support from this club during the year to help with the switch once I join the Broncos post Olympics.
"I've watched this team with a lot of interest from afar, especially with my good mate Gayle (Broughton) in the squad who has excelled so highly since switching codes.
"She (Broughton) alongside other former rugby teammates have all inspired me to take up this new sport but I'm really looking forward to new friendships/connections, more personal growth on and off the pitch."
Head Coach of the Broncos NRLW squad, Scott Prince, is enthused to strengthen the depth of his squad with yet another esteemed signing.
"It's very exciting for someone of her calibre to join the ranks of the NRLW program. Her record speaks for itself. I'm looking forward to seeing what she'll produce on a league field," said Prince.
"She's the type of player that will prove that you can make the switch from Union to League.
"She'll make an impact with high-flying strong runs. She's an excitement machine along the edge.
"They don't call her the smiling assassin for nothing."
The NRLW season starts on July 25, the same week as the Olympic sevens tournament in Paris.