Warriors Women skipper Apii Nicholls has spoken out about the sacrifices her part-time players are making to play in the NRLW.
Her side open their season against the defending champion Sydney Roosters at Allianz Stadium on Sunday.
The fullback is a police officer by trade, and will have to balanceworking four days a week and raising two kids with training, travel and games.
Nicholls has told The Big League Podcast juggling jobs to make ends meet comes at a cost.
“Monday to Thursday, I work normal business hours – 7am to 3pm – and then we kick off at 4pm at the Warriors. On top of that, I have to drop the kids off to school.
Nicholls said Brake has spent plenty of time on the world stage.
“She is very experienced and professional. It does lift our team confidence because she brings so much value. We’re really, really lucky to have her.”
Michaela Brake will run with the NRLW Warriors this season. Photo / Photosport
Nicholls also has experience in another code, having played two seasons for the Chiefs Manawa in Super Rugby Aupiki.
The 32-year-old admits more than half the team have never played league before.
“They have so much energy and we’re just so connected that it makes us quite different. They’re really skilful, talented; we’ve got speed. The rugby girls just bring so much strength into our team.”
Former Black Fern Patricia Maliepo also joins the side, along with Black Ferns sevens stars Tysha Ikenasio and Shakira Baker.
The Warriors last played in the NRLW five years ago.
Nathan Limm has been a Multimedia Journalist with Newstalk ZB and the New Zealand Herald since 2020.
