Tysha Ikenasio felt the physicality of the 13-player code. Photo: Photosport
Despite nursing a few more bruises than they are accustomed to, the NZ Warriors new recruits have been re-invigorated by their code switch.
The women's side played their first NRLW match in five years on Sunday and, although they were beaten by the defending champion Sydney Roosters, the loss did little to take the gloss off their return.
Almost three quarters of the 2025 Warriors women squad had not played NRLW before, but looked right at home on the league pitch.
Among them was sevens convert Tysha Ikenasio, who definitely felt the physicality of the 13-player code.
"Just those bigger bodies, it was just a lot of mahi, but I did really enjoy it and I already can't wait for this weekend."
Two-time Olympic champion Michaela Brake has also switched from the sevens arena and admitted it was a tough introduction.
"There's a lot less space on the field than there is with sevens, so that was a good shock to the system," she said. "I hadn't ran into so many props ever in my life, but man, I almost didn't want the game to end.
"I've finally got a game of league under my belt, so the positive thing is that we can only go up from here."
Brake embraces the nuances of adapting to league.
"It's what I asked for. I wanted to come into an environment where I was challenged physically and mentally learning completely new rules, a new game that I've never played before."
As the side's marquee signing, Brake is also coping with the high expectations placed on her.
"It's a good type of pressure. It's an honour, in all honesty - to have the reputation that I have came with a lot of hard work.
"I guess, with the stats that I have behind me with the Black Ferns Sevens, that will create a lot of attention, when I do change codes. Yes, it has created a type of pressure that I am embracing and enjoying, but it also showcases on Sunday that I am still human and that I still make mistakes.
"No matter how many gold medals I have from the Olympics, I'm still someone who will learn and get better each game, so it has been a challenge in that sense."
Warriors women regroup against Sydney Roosters. Photo: Photosport
Another making the code hop was Patricia Maliepo, who was part of the successful Blues Super Rugby Aupiki campaign earlier this year, but felt she had now found her home under Warriors coach Ron Griffiths.
"I feel like I'm falling in love with the game."
The former Black Fern admitted to not feeling that same love in 15s.
"I think, over numerous years of being in the same environment and going through changes, I didn't feel valued in the previous spaces I've been in.
"After day one of talking to Ron, this is where I'm meant to be. I think the difference here is it's an open environment.
"Everyone lets you be yourself and even the coach - it doesn't feel like coach and player talking, it just feels like people."
Ikenasio said the side was proud of the performance they put on in their return.
"I think we just showed heart out there," she said. "For a lot of us girls, it was our first game of league.
"To go up against the defending champs and hold them out in that first half, I think that's something that we should be proud of."
This Sunday sees them meet Parramatta Eels in Auckland, their first appearance at Mt Smart since 2019.
The women play at 1.50pm, with the men to follow at 4pm against Wests Tigers.
While they hope to be embraced by the established fan base, Ikenasio said they were also out to create their own legacy.
"Obviously, the men have done really well these past few years, and we're going to try and go off that too, but we are our own team.
"We've got a strong team culture and it's only growing."
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