Warriors poach NRLW grand final hero Mele Hufanga from Broncos

The Warriors have announced the signing of powerhouse centre Mele Hufanga three days after she scored the match-winning try in a breathtaking performance in the NRLW grand final.

Hufanga will cross from the Broncos to the Warriors on a two-year deal, which includes a mutual option for a third year.

The New Zealand rugby league international will make the move along with grand final five-eighth Gayle Broughton, whose two-year deal with the Kiwi club was announced hours out from Sunday's decider.

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In a staggering grand final performance that earned her the Karyn Murphy Medal for best on ground, Hufanga finished with 210 run metres, two line breaks, 17 tackle busts and a try.

The 30-year-old bashed over the try line with four minutes left on the clock to score the match-winning four-pointer, even if replays of the put-down left major doubt as to whether the try should have been awarded.

"We identified Mele [as] a key recruit for the One New Zealand Warriors," coach Ron Griffiths said.

"She's a powerful world-class centre who will bring a wealth of experience to our club.

"After an impressive meeting with Mele we knew that the fit was perfect for us.

"However, it was a visit to the volunteer community program that Mele and her family run in Auckland that solidified our belief. We truly understand the magnitude of character we had enticed to our club."

Hufanga, 30, only took up rugby league at the end of 2022, when she joined the Broncos after a glittering rugby union career.

The Tongan-born star captained the Polynesian country's rugby union team in the 2022 Oceania Championships.

"It's really special heading back home next year to the Warriors," said Hufanga, who grew up in Auckland.

"And even better, I get to be with my family."

The Warriors failed to make the finals this year, in their first season in the NRLW since 2020, but Hufanga will give them a huge boost in 2026.