The St George Illawarra Dragons have claimed victory in the opening match of the 2021/22 NRLW season by downing the Gold Coast Titans 20-12 at McDonald Jones Stadium.
Outscoring the NRLW newcomers four tries to two, debutant halfback Rachael Pearson was a standout with an impressive kicking game, while Olympic Gold Medallist Emma Tonegato proved a constant threat from the back of the field.
In an opening high on passion but riddled with poor ball control from both teams, the Dragons crossed for first points through winger Teagan Berry (20th minute), who used her pace to finish off a superb cut-out pass from Tonegato.
Extending the lead after Pearson forced an error with a well-placed grubber kick, Madison Bartlett (26th minute) made the most of a left side shift to give the Red V an 8-0 advantage.
Unable to capitalise on a huge run from Tonegato in the ensuing set, the Titans appeared to hit back seconds before the change of ends only for Tazmin Gray to lose possession over the line.
Dominating possession early in the second half after Pearson produced the play of the match to trap the Titans in-goal with a kick reminiscent of Dragons NRLW coach Jamie Soward, Berry (44th minute) pounced from dummy half after Jamie Chapman was denied one play earlier.
Taking advantage of a rare opportunity inside the Dragons half, Kimiora Breayley-Nati delivered a superb pass to send Tiana Raftstrand-Smith (57th minute) over for the Titans maiden NRLW try.
Buoyed by a greater share of possession late in the match, Destiny Brill offloaded to send Shannon Mato (65th minute) over to narrow the margin to 14-12 heading into the dying stages.
The Dragons secured the result with a try on fulltime to Quincy Dodd (70th minute) following a terrific offload from Elsie Albert to run out 20-12 victors.
Next Sunday, the Titans face the Roosters (1.50pm) and the Dragons take on the Eels (3.40pm) in the WIN Stadium triple header.