New Zealand Olympic Rugby Sevens stars to light up NRLW after winning gold medal in Paris

After celebrating a gold medal winning performance in Paris, three victorious Rugby Sevens stars are set to shake up the NRLW when they join their clubs for Round 3.

They’re the Olympic gold medallists about to light up the NRLW with a mass code switch.

Once they’re finished celebrating in Paris, New Zealand Rugby 7s stars and Olympic final heroes Stacey Waaka and Tyla King as well as squad member Tenika Willison will join their respective NRLW sides from next week.

Waaka, who scored a matchwinning try against Canada in the final on Wednesday morning (AEST) will join the Broncos, while King will arrive at St George Illawarra after making her rugby league debut with the club last season.

Willison, who travelled with the 7s side as 13th player, will arrive in Newcastle with the NRLW premiers.

Gold medallist from Team New Zealand Stacey Waaka (right) poses with a family member after the Women's Rugby Sevens medal ceremony. Picture: Getty Images

It’s a huge boost in elite talent and profile for the NRLW as the game pushes towards professionalism.

“I’m super proud, the fact that NRL clubs have a representative over there (in Paris), it’s really, really cool. To be able to know these are elite girls at the top of their sports and they’re coming over to play ours,” said Dragons coach Jamie Soward.

“The big thing for us is Tyla’s committed for two years, so she’s essentially walking away from the 7s program to finish her career here with us, which I think is understated.

“All the girls are really excited to have her back, we’re super proud of her.”

King made the code switch last year and played the NRLW season with the Dragons before becoming a dual international, representing the Kiwi Ferns in the Pacific Championships.

As a half, it took time for her to learn the finer details of rugby league.

Waaka scored the third and match winning try in the Gold medal match against Team Canada. Picture: Getty Images

“The longer she went the better she got,” Soward said.

“This year will be a little bit different for her because she missed the pre-season, we’re going to have to have a conversation about how her body is, how she’s mentally feeling, it’s not as simple as her coming straight back in.”

Soward expects her to play round four against the Roosters in Wollongong.

Waaka and Willison face a different approach to their first season in the rival code.

The Broncos are dealing with a handful of suspensions and injuries and will have to manage Waaka’s introduction to rugby league, but former New Zealand teammate and Broncos star Gayle Broughton to help the transition.

Willison arrives in Newcastle from next week.

Tyla King made the switch to the NRLW in 2023 before returning to finish her Rugby Sevens career in Paris. Picture: Getty Images

“She went over (to Paris) as 13th player, but she’s been in that program for a period of time now. I’m excited and interested to see how she converts across now,” said Knights coach Ben Jeffries.

“There’s no pressure from my end. It’s about bringing someone of her calibre into the squad if we could to elevate the elite players we have now.

“Players like Shanice Parker and the likes, they want to be challenged.

“Part of that is bringing in someone like Tenika. It also helps with depth. We’re trying to plan for the future as well as the unexpected.

“We believe she can play one to six, and then it’s just converting across, and where she fits in best for this group. I’ve got an open mind with it and so does she.”