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Curtain fall: Warriors star vows to overcome latest setback

Four meniscus tears, a torn labrum, a dislocated shoulder joint, a torn wrist ligament and now a season-ending knee injury.

Emily Curtain has been knocked down time and time again, but each setback has helped shape the player she has become.

"It's very tough sitting on the sideline, watching the team train or watching the team play knowing you can help so much but you actually can't be out there," Curtain told ljmpta.com before going down with a season-ending knee injury at training last week.

Arriving at the Warriors from Wests Tigers, where she didn't play a single minute in the NRLW last season, Curtain was handed the No.7 jersey and formed a formidable partnership with Patricia Maliepo.

Emily Curtain had established herself in the Warriors No.7 jersey before a training mishap ended her season.
Emily Curtain had established herself in the Warriors No.7 jersey before a training mishap ended her season. ©PhotoSport NZ

The pair steered the Warriors to three victories against the Eels, Cowboys and Bulldogs.

However, just like in past years, an injury has now derailed Curtain's season.

Ruled out for the remainder of the 2025 campaign, it couldn't have come at a worse time for the halfback who has played more consecutive games this year than ever before.

"It's so hard mentally, but you just need to have the right people around you and reach out to the right people who have the support to be able to help you," Curtain said.

"You just have to make sure that you reach out to those people and don't keep it all in. I'm glad I have my support people around me.

"Sophie [Curtain's sister] was my backbone during most of those. Being twins, we're very close as well so just always leaning on her and she leans on me."

Debuting in 2021 with the Parramatta Eels, Curtain spent time at the Gold Coast Titans and Wests Tigers before making the move to New Zealand.

"It was something new, something different, and was a bit out of my comfort zone but to come over to New Zealand has been amazing," Curtain said.

"I've loved every moment, every minute since I've been here. I've been here for four months and love it."

An Eagle Vale St Andrews junior, the 24-year-old hopes her twin, Sophie, will join her at the Warriors in the coming seasons.

"She's pretty keen. It'd be pretty awesome to be able to play with her," Curtain said.

Emily Curtain is thankful for the support of her twin Sophie as she battled to overcome injuries.
Emily Curtain is thankful for the support of her twin Sophie as she battled to overcome injuries. ©PhotoSport NZ

"In her debut game [in 2023] I was able to run out on the field with her which was pretty awesome. We also played Under-18s State of Origin together in the inaugural years."

In Curtain's absence, Warriors coach Ron Griffiths has named Emmanita Paki to partner Maliepo in the halves for Sunday's Round 8 clash with Cronulla at FMG Stadium Waikato in Hamilton. 

Maliepo (calf) and captain Apii Nicholls (pectoral) return after missing last weekend's brave 20-16 loss to the Raiders after centre Tysha Ikenasio and middle forward Matekino Gray were sent off.

Griffiths has named a rearranged side for the match which pits the sixth-placed Warriors against the Sharks, who are sitting two points ahead in fifth.

Nicholls resumes her customary role at fullback with Emmanita Paki, who played there against Canberra, listed in the No.7 jersey and Lydia Turua-Quedley reverting to hooker after being used at halfback against Canberra.

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National Rugby League respects and honours the Traditional Custodians of the land and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and future. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and living cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on the lands we meet, gather and play on.

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