16:42, October 13, 202516:42, October 13, 2025

Griffiths set to step into fifth coaching role of year with Moana

Ron Griffiths has embarked on an extraordinary coaching journey this year, leading him to his fifth coaching role. It all commenced in February when he guided the Indigenous All Stars in their match against the Māori All Stars in Sydney.

After that, Griffiths transitioned to the One New Zealand Warriors, where he was responsible for bringing the team back into the NRLW after a five-year hiatus. With the completion of that campaign last month, there was no downtime for him.

In fact, he has been deeply involved in a remarkable signing spree for the Warriors, securing three stars from the Brisbane Broncos, including Gayle Broughton, Mele Hufanga, and Annetta Nuuausala for 2026. These acquisitions were all confirmed within a mere six days.

While navigating this whirlwind of activities, Griffiths also continued his commitment to the Newcastle Yowies, coached during the annual Koori Knockout. This event is one of Australia's largest indigenous gatherings, showcasing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander rugby league teams throughout New South Wales.

Recently held at the Riverside Sporting Complex in Tamworth, this year's gathering featured over 170 teams and 4000 players across multiple grades. Griffiths' team boasted Papua New Guinea and former North Queensland halfback Kyle Laybutt, who played a pivotal role in a thrilling men's grand final. Laybutt's late field goal secured a narrow 25-24 victory for the Yowies against the Bourke Warriors, a team that included former Newcastle and Penrith halfback Luke Walsh.