Warriors centre Tysha Ikenasio embraces new beginnings with pride

A former Black Ferns Sevens player is now proudly donning a Warriors jersey, crediting a strong support network for guiding her journey back to the field.

Speaking with Pacific Huddle, Tysha Ikenasio, who is of Sāmoan and English descent, says having an ‘awesome support system’ motivates her to play hard and take pride in herself.

Ikenasio says that recovering from an injury is not easy and can take a mental toll on anyone. Therefore, having a supportive team is important.

“I’ve got an awesome support system out of the team that has helped me remember my why and who I am,” she says.

Ikenasio adds that she is proud of her ability to return to her passion after rehabilitation.

“The first thing is just being proud to be able to get back out there after an injury that stops you from doing what you love,” she says.

Ikenasio and team mates celebrating after she scores a try. Photo/Nzwarriorsnrlw/Instagram.

Ikenasio says that the way team coach Ronald Griffiths spoke about the team culture and his vision for inspiring the younger generation were key factors in her decision to switch jerseys.

“The way he spoke about team culture, what he sees for the future, inspiring the younger generations, it just caught me and I actually honestly couldn’t say no,” she says.

She says that choosing rugby league also allowed her to return to Auckland, where she was born and raised.

Ikenasio at the Allianz Stadium, Sydney. Photo/Nzwarriorsnrlw/Instagram.

Ikenasio is happy to be a part of the Warriors, highlighting a sense of belonging that the team fosters.

“The feeling in the family that they have here it’s something different, and I’m just proud to be a warrior,” she says.

She says there are many differences between rugby union and rugby league, and that she has much to learn in her new role.

Ikenasio says the coach has a motto: stay in the game and continue the cycle to win. “The hits are harder, a lot more girls on the field, it’s a very hard game.”

Some of the womens Warriors players celebrating their win against the Paramatta Eels. Photo/Brett Phibbs/Photosport.

She says that not many family and friends of players get the chance to see them play. For the next game, having her family there is a special moment.

“I’m forever grateful that my family and friends get to watch me play but to go out and run out like that its going to be a special moment…it’s going to be very emotional,”

Ikenasio’s Warriors played the Newcastle Knights on Sunday and lost 36-20. Sitting in ninth place on the standings, the Warriors women take on the Titans next Saturday in Auckland

Watch the full interview with Tysha Ikenasio below.