'Culture and connection got me over the line': Fetu Sāmoa captain backs Warriors' title bid

Annetta-Claudia Nu'uausala had just won a National Rugby League Women's (NRLW) premiership with the Brisbane Broncos.

But when Warriors coach Ron Griffiths spoke about culture, connection and family values, the Fetu Sāmoa captain says the decision to come home was an easy one.

The experienced forward has joined a growing list of high-profile recruits ahead of the Warriors' second season back in the NRLW.

The Warriors wāhine are entering their second season since returning to the NRLW and have recruited heavily during the off-season as they look to build on last year's foundations.

Nu'uausala arrives with a premiership-winning pedigree from Brisbane and is expected to play a key leadership role in one of the competition's youngest squads.

Her arrival is part of a major recruitment drive as the Warriors look to turn last year's return season into a genuine premiership push.

"Ron just pulled me aside and it was just a casual chat," Nu'uausala said on Pacific Huddle.

"He got me over the line the minute he mentioned culture and connection as being his priority, as well as family.

"I just knew straight away it was going to be an easy yes for me."

Griffiths says the off-season recruitment has already raised the overall standard of the programme.

“We were strong last year without being great at moments but we believe there's no reason we can't go from good to great if we keep applying ourselves,” he told Sport Nation.

He also believes the addition of experienced winners like Nu’uausala will help the squad handle key moments in tight matches.

“What the players we've brought allowed us to do is stay in those moments for longer when the game really starts to bite and take advantage of our speed out wide."

For Nu'uausala, from South Auckland, returning to the Warriors has felt different from day one.

Warriors head coach Ron Griffiths says the club’s off-season recruitment has lifted standards as the team targets a stronger push in the 2026 NRLW season. Photo/Photosport/Andrew Cornaga

While she enjoyed her time at Brisbane, Nu'uausala says the Pacific flavour of the Warriors environment immediately felt like home.

"I've noticed that coming back to the Warriors, they're very big on family, obviously, and just the culture, I guess," she told Tuilagi.

"The diversity that we have within the squad already, it just makes you feel like you're at home."

The move has also created a special full-circle moment for her family.

Born and raised in Māngere before growing up in Ōtara, Nu'uausala follows a family connection to the club through her brother, former Warriors player Frank-Paul Nu'uausala.

The NRL and NRLW Warriors teams. Photo/Photosport/Andrew Cornaga

"It's a full circle moment for my family," she said. "They're just so proud, especially Frank."

The 32-year-old believes the foundations for success are already being built at the Warriors.

Fresh from a recent team camp, she says the connection within the group was obvious from the moment new players arrived.

"I feel like the moment we walked through these doors on day one, the connection was already there.

"The girls in the squad just came up to us and just made us feel so welcome. We just knew straight away we made the right decision."

The Warriors NRLW squad continues to grow connection and depth in camp as they prepare for the new season, with several new signings joining the group over the off-season. Photo/Photosport/Andrew Cornaga

She also tipped young Warriors talents Ivana Lawa-Titi and Jay Huriwai as players to watch this season, saying both have the work ethic and hunger to make a major impact in 2026.

Having helped Brisbane build towards last year's premiership, Nu'uausala believes culture will again be the key ingredient if the Warriors are to challenge for their first NRLW title.

"The win that we got last year with the Broncos, it wasn't something that came overnight. It was something that we've built on over the last three years.

"If we have everyone buy into our culture that we've got at the moment, then I'm sure we get that win at the end of the year. If not, it'll come in the coming years."

Listen to Annetta-Claudia Nu'uausala's interview below.

Away from club football, the Fetu Sāmoa captain also has one eye on this year's Rugby League World Cup and says her focus remains firmly with Sāmoa.

"It's definitely with Sāmoa," she told Tuilagi. "I'm forever grateful for the Kiwis but at the moment for the year, it's with Sāmoa."

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