Despite going into the game as the underdogs and missing their coach and a star player due to personal reasons, the Warriors have pulled off the upset of the season, beating the Broncos 10 – 8.
In front of a crowd of 6,208, it was the first stand alone NRLW match in Australia and the first time the Broncos lost since the introduction of the competition last year.
While it was a brilliant display of football by both teams, it was goal kicking that got the Warriors across the line, and appears to be the one weakness in a strong Broncos team.
The Warriors opened the scoring in the fifth minute when winger Madison Bartlett dived over in the corner. Despite some solid defence from the Broncos, a dummy by Annetta Nuuausala saw her barge through Broncos defenders to score and Api Nicholls kicked the only successful conversion of the game.
While the Broncos were still in great form, high tackles, errors and a 66% half time completion rate saw them head into the sheds 10 – 0.
The Broncos looked fierce early in the second half with a threatening line break by star fullback Ali Brigginshaw. They then fought back into the game in the 32nd minute when a decoy run by Annette Brander saw Tamika Upton score in the corner.
A try to center Amy Turner only minutes later got them even closer, but an unsuccessful conversion kept them needing to fight through a nail biting end.
While the Broncos are guaranteed a grand final spot, the Warriors will be relying on a loss to the Dragons to play again.
