Warriors overcome the odds to claim inaugural NRLW match

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Sydney Roosters v Warriors

The New Zealand Warriors made history this afternoon as they took out the first ever NRL Women's Premiership match, 10-4 against the Sydney Roosters at Stadium Australia.

All the point scoring came in the first half, Warriors bounded out to a 10-nil lead, thanks to a two superb tries from Hilda Mariu and Luisa Gago before Blues centre, Isabelle Kelly cut a swathe to make it 10-4 at the break. The second half became a defensive battle, as the Warriors pulled off a superb rearguard to record the historic victory against a disappointed Roosters line-up. 

Featuring much of the Kiwi Ferns spine, the Warriors monopolised possession in the first half. Hilda Mariu and Georgia Hale steered the side around well, as they put together some slick backline movements to unseat the Roosters. 

None more impressive than their two tries in the first half. Mariu finished off a swift move to register the first four-pointer in premiership history then Luisa Gago ran a superb line off Mariu to take their advantage to 10 points. 

The main feature of the Warriors display was their defense. At times, they rattled the Roosters defense, Zahara Temara on the wrong end several times, particularly, when Annetta Nuuausala rocked her in the first term. Against, a stunted Roosters attack, the Warriors swarmed well when needed, in a scoreless second half, as they held on for the victory in a wonderful contest.

For the Roosters, it was an unhappy afternoon. Their attack never got started, as Blues half Maddie Studdon looked bright in patches, as did Isabelle Kelly. The centre got the tr-colours only score with a mazy effort, as the Warriors defense held off, their rare misstep this afternoon, which allowed the star to touch down.

Next week's fixtures are set to be confirmed once the Week 2 NRL Finals puzzle is complete.