History repeats as Warriors begin NRLW season with upset victory

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Sydney Roosters v Warriors

For the second year in a row, the Warriors have pulled off an upset in the opening match of the NRLW season after defeating the Sydney Roosters 16-12 at AAMI Park.

The Roosters dominated early with both the field position and possession but the Warriors defence was too strong and the Kiwi based side was able to push the Tricolours line, also unable to come up with any points.

The Bondi based side were able to again mount pressure and it was Simaima Taufa who opened the scoring when she was able got a good short ball from Nita Maynard to cross the line to score. The two sides were able to go end to end without points but it was a piece of magic from Charntay Poko to get the Warriors on the board.

The Warriors halfback was able to kick a much needed 40/30 which got the Warriors into good field position and again it was off the back of some good work out of dummy half on the last with Georgia Hale getting the run on the last tackle and strolling over.

The two sides went into the break locked up at 6-6 and the Roosters were able to get some momentum but the defence for the Warriors was strong and the defensive pressure turned into attack and Charntay Poko got into dummy half and went herself sending the defence one way with a dummy and getting over Melanie Howard to score.

The visitors then put what they hoped was the icing on the cake when they pulled out the wrap-around play and Atawhai Tupaea got space on the outside to score. Despite Apii Nicholls pushing the conversion across the face of the posts, the Warriors were able to take a 16-6 lead.

The final try of the game came right on the stroke of full time when Simaima Taufa was able to fight her way over the line and get a much deserved second try for the game. Kirra Dibb put the conversion over and closed the scoreline to 16-12.

The Warriors next week will head back to New Zealand on a high off both the victory and the fact that they get to play their first NRLW game on home soil when they host the Dragons at Mt Smart Stadium. The Roosters will need to get their season going when they play the Broncos next week.