The New Zealand Warriors won the NRLW season opener after defeating the Sydney Roosters 16-12 at AAMI Park on Saturday.
Atawhai Tupaea. Photo: Photosport
The Roosters had plenty of opportunities but it was the Kiwi women who made the most of their chances to earn a hard-fought first-up victory.
Warriors halfback Charntay Poko threw a beautiful cut-out ball for Hilda Mariu to score on seven minutes but the pass was called forward.
Instead, it was the Roosters who opened the scoring when Simaima Taufa-Kautai crashed over thanks to a sharp pass from dummy-half Nita Maynard.
Poko booted a 40-30 just before halftime and the Warriors capitalised when skipper Georgia Hale scored next to the post to make it 6-6 at the break.
The Roosters had all the ball at the start of the second half but the Warriors goal-line defence held firm before they marched downfield and Poko scored against the run of play.
Roosters five-eighth Kirra Didd made a sensational try-saving tackle on Onjeurlina Leiataua but the Warriors crossed minutes later when Atawhai Tupaea scored in the corner.
Roosters substitute Caitlan Johnston thought she'd scored in the final three minutes to set up a grandstand finish but replays showed a knock on.
Taufa-Kautai bagged a double after barging over from close range but it proved the final play of the game.
AAP cw
