League switch helps Patricia Maliepo unlock X-factor for NZ Warriors
Photo:
David Neilson/photosport
Unlike most rookies, Patricia Maliepo has not had the luxury of sitting at the back of the class, pretending to understand her new surroundings.
The former Black Fern is one of several rugby converts testing the water with NZ Warriors this season, as the club returns to the NRLW after a five-year hiatus.
With so many Kiwi league stars already under contract at other Australian clubs, the Auckland outfit has had to think laterally to fill its roster, but among the newcomers acquitting themselves with distinction, none has stamped their mark on the game like Maliepo.
Playing at five-eighth, she has demanded the ball in her hands more than any other player and shown she knows what to do with it, when it arrives.
Somehow, the switch in codes has unlocked the X-factor that promised so much in union, but never quite blossomed.
"I definitely think that and I think you can see it," she agreed. "You have more time and, as a playmaker, you can run with the ball, instead of just distributing it every time.
"I love the physical side of rugby league. I love running the ball, but sometimes I have to remember that I'm also the playmaker on the field, and I have to create those opportunities for my wingers and my middles too."
The transfer of skillsets seems to have been seamless. Maliepo scored the Warriors' first try in their NRLW return against the champion Sydney Roosters, cooly slotted sideline conversions against Newcastle Knights and sparked her team with a 40-30 kick last weekend against North Queensland Cowboys.
"The thing with Patricia is she plays a position where she has to own part of the game for us," coach Ron Griffiths said. "After her third game of rugby league, we had her delivering the attacking review from the weekend.
"No doubt, that comes with some nerves about understanding her role and understanding the game. For her to do that shows how much she's grown in that short window and how much she's really enjoying the experience."
That responsibility and trust marked an important step in Maliepo's league education.
"Talking to people in front of the room is way different to being out on the field directing," she said. "For me to get up in a classroom or our teamroom is quite nervewracking.
"It's definitely a work-on, but I like that Ron has instilled that into the team, letting players taking control of the review to see what they see on the field, compared to what the coaches see.
"I wouldn't say it's been seamless. I think I barely know the full rule book of rugby league, but having good people who have played the sport - like my other half Emily Curtain and Apii Nicholls - around me, they have slowly built the game into me as the weeks go on.
"As you play the game, you get the feel of it and you know what points to get to, but there's still a lot to learn."
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