The wives and girlfriends of the Vodafone Warriors are gorgeous. But ask them about the wag tag and none of them will admit to being beautiful bombshells. Instead, the sexy partners of our best-loved Warriors say they’re happy to be taking an afternoon off from nappies, laundry and league. Being a Warriors wag isn’t easy.
Having to be the players’ biggest cheerleaders, as well as not seeing their partners for weeks on end, means there’s a lot of lonely moments. But these wives and girlfriends agree they wouldn’t change a thing. As the Warriors’ chances of making the playoffs improved, the Weekly brought these six friends together for a day of decadence and glamour – living up to the wag stereotype for one day.
“We only look like wags today,” laughs Julia Matthews. “We’re not like other wags,” adds Kelly Friend. “Those ones like Colleen Rooney, they take it too far. I say go for it, because I love reading about them!” “I’d be a bit obnoxious, too, if I had that kind of money,” grins ToniLee Luck.
Enjoying one of many bonding experiences this season, the girls say their tight friendship is the key to getting them through the long league season without their partners. “Everyone understands what you’re going through,” says Jen Vatuvei.“You become a family.”
Shaun Johnson & Phoebe Carr
Warriors halfback Shaun (21) has been with the Warriors since 2009. His long-term partner, Phoebe (20) works in accounts and administration and says dating a Warrior is tough with away games, but his caring nature makes up for his absence.
James Maloney & Jessica Anderson
James (25) made his debut with the Melbourne Storm before joining the Warriors in 2010. His beauty therapist partner Jessica (24) was having painful Braxton Hicks contractions during the shoot, but the gorgeous blonde soldiered on.
Manu & Jennifer Vatuvei
The Warrior wing is a loving husband to stay-at-home mum Jennifer (26) and their two children. At the shoot, Jen discovered Manu’s wedding ring in an old handbag – he’d been looking for it for two years.
Lewis Brown & Julia Matthews
Lewis’ workforce analyst girlfriend Julia (25) may shun the wag stereotype, but she is a stylish socialite with a keen eye for fashion. She is also due to be the maid of honour at radio star Jay Reeve and Anna Fitzpatrick’s wedding.
**Nathan & Kelly Friend
**Originally from Toowoomba, Nathan (31) has joined the Warriors for the 2012 and 2013 seasons. Like Jen, Kelly is a stay-at-home mum to two boys. The wife of the former Gold Coast Titans hooker made Australian headlines when she designed and created her own ball dress for the 2010 Titans Charity Ball.
Michael & Tonilee Luck
Micheal (30) and his wife ToniLee (29) celebrated more than just NRL milestones over the last few years. The Warriors lock and the corporate product and marketing leader have been married since 2008. They welcomed their first child, Murphy John, into the world at the end of 2011. The couple, originally from Queensland, live in a beautiful villa in Mt Eden, Auckland.
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