“He didn’t make it easy for me, Ron, but he did say that he wanted to see what and who I am about. I appreciate him for that, though. It made me even hungrier to want to make it.”
And that hunger and commitment paid off, with Griffiths initially giving Huriwai no guarantees.
“Jay made a significant personal sacrifice by moving herself from Australia of her own volition,” he said.
“Jay’s resolve to succeed has paid her back. We are elated she has earned her opportunity, and the sacrifice she has made speaks volumes for her character.”
Huriwai said she got very emotional when offered a contract.
“I just started bawling my eyes out, and, yeah, pretty much cried that whole day. I’ve lived in Australia for a long time and, at first, I was nervous and scared because I’ve never been in New Zealand for longer than two weeks since moving to Australia.
“But now, since being here, I’ve loved every single moment. I can’t wait to play, I’m so keen.”
The Warriors start pre-season training next month before kicking off their season against the Bulldogs in Hamilton on July 5.
– RNZ
