The New Zealand Warriors have opened the NRLW with a 16 – 12 win over the Roosters, despite being locked up 6 all at half time.
After a slick cut out pass by Warriors halfback Charntay Poko was called forward, Simaima Taufa was the first to open the scoring in the 9th minute when she burst through the Warriors goal line defence line.
After a few minutes of solid defence from both sides, the scoreline was evened in the 25th minute with 40-30 kick and a flat pass from hooker Krystal Rota sending Warriors skipper Georgia Hale burst through the line.
With 19 minutes left on the clock, the Warriors took the lead when a slick dummy by Poko saw her slip through a gap and cross the line.
The next few minutes consisted of some incredible defensive efforts by the Roosters as they tried to hold on. First a strong tackle by five-eighth Kirra Dibb which saw prop Onjeurlina Leiataua held up over the line after a line-break, and then Katrina Brown quickly burst ahead of Warriors fullback Apii Nicholls to kick the ball dead before she could score.
It was only a matter of time though before the determined Warriors scored again, with centre Atawhai Tupaea diving over in the corner to score in the 52nd minute.
Recently named New South Wales player of the year, Taufa ended the game by bagging a double in the 59th minute.
In the corresponding round last season, the Warriors won their only game before losing the next two, and the Roosters lost but ended up in the Grand Final. While this is a strong start and great form for both teams, the next round will be a big decider on how their season will run.
