Round 2 of the NRLW season is in the books, and the highlight had to be the Warriors’ historic win in New Zealand.
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The Warriors were a foundation NRLW club but departed the comp in 2020 due to Covid.
They have re-entered the competition this season, and in what was just the second ever NRLW club game in New Zealand, the Warriors defeated Parramatta 14-0.
There has only ever been one game played in New Zealand and that was back in 2019.
It’s such a significant moment for the club. I’m extremely happy for them as they are the most inexperienced NRLW side who were able to defeat the much respected Eels, who were coming off a win against last year’s runners up (Sharks) the week prior.
Warriors winger Michaela Brake was a standout. Her world class athleticism was on display for all to see while the battle of star fullbacks Abbi Church and Api Nicholls was also a highlight.
Read on for the NRLW Talking Points out of Round 2!
Bulldogs continue perfect NRLW start | 02:45
LEARNING LESSON IN BULLDOG’S SIN BIN
We have to discuss Angelina Teakaraanga-Katoa’s brain fade against the Tigers, which resulted in a sin bin and suspension.
The Bulldogs captain was given her marching orders for twice slapping Tigers fullback Jetaya Faifua in a melee.
It was a poor look for any player let alone a captain.
She’s an aggressive player, and that’s what makes her so good. It’s a physical game, it’s tough and I’ll be the first to say she’s going from strength to strength, but everything about that was unnecessary and very nearly cost her team the win.
I understand camaraderie and sticking up for your mates in a close game but that pushed the boundaries. That’s not good enough for a captain.
She got a get out of jail free card on the weekend because she went from someone who can win a game to someone who nearly lost it.
With that said, we all learn and move on. She’ll know what she did was wrong, she will wear the consequence of missing Round 3 and she has since apologised. Lesson learnt and time now to move on.
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Dogs star SIN BINNED for strike | 00:44
THE SHARKS ARE BACK
What about Emma Verran?! She showed why she’s considered one of the premier players of our game.
Verran ran roughshod over the Raiders, scoring four tries, recording five line breaks and setting up two more tries as Cronulla dominated Canberra in a 56-6 rout.
Last year’s grand finalists just seemed like a different outfit to the team who lost to the Eels in the season opener.
In Round 1, they played like they were trying to survive but against the Raiders they took control from the kick-off and never gave the Raiders a chance
Debutant Stephanie Faulkner also deserves a mention. In her first ever NRLW game, the 20-year-old etched her name into history by becoming the first prop in the league’s history to score two tries.
What makes the feat even more impressive is that she achieved it despite starting on the bench!
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TIGERS ON THE UP
The Tigers are 0-2 to start the season, but despite the record, there are some strong signs they are a team on an upward spiral.
They gave the Bulldogs all they could handle in the second half of a 12-8 loss last Thursday night.
After falling in an early 12-0 hole, there’s no way the Tigers of last season would have finished within one try.
They haven’t had a win in a long time, which can be very disheartening, so I really feel for them, but there’s one just around the corner.
We all know Kezie Apps is a star, but her performance against the Bulldogs was inspiring. For a back rower to outrun some of the Bulldogs’ outside backs en route to the try line was impressive to watch.
DRAGONS FIRE WARNING SHOT
To the surprise of no one, the Roosters remain unbeaten after a win over the Dragons, but the Dragons fired a warning shot to the rest of the competition after pushing them all the way in the 24-10 loss.
The Dragons challenged the Roosters in the first half more than any other team has in a while.
If you look at the half-time stats the Dragons were right in it at half-time. You would be really paying attention to the Dragons if you haven’t played them yet.
Not many teams put the Roosters under that much pressure. The Broncos might, but not many teams can do that to the Roosters.
That says more about the Dragons than it does about the Roosters.
Even watching the defending champs I was thinking once they click they will be fine and they haven’t even got Tarryn Aiken back yet.
But any other side who played like that against the Dragons would have lost.
Roosters capitalise on Dragons sin bin | 00:48
KNIGHTS BOUNCE BACK
The Knights bounced back from a Round 1 loss to secure a dominant 26-6 win over the Cowboys.
The Knights have won two Grand Finals and have been in the finals most years.
This was what we have come to expect of the Knights in recent years and they look like they are almost back to their best.
North Queensland had some impressive moments and shouldn’t be taken lightly, but they had some tough defensive sets which seemed to fatigue them.
While the possession rate was fairly even, the Cowboys weren’t able to compete with the attacking strength of the Knights who relentlessly dominated post contact and run metres with their attack.
Knights bounce back with win vs. Cowboys | 00:28
TITANS’ FORGETTABLE DERBY
It was a day to forget for the Titans in the local derby as the Broncos took the win 44-4. Titans skipper Georgia Hale said it best in her post match press conference when she referred to the team being genuinely connected and close but on the field they need to be ‘mongrel about our business’.
If nothing else the Titans are self aware and authentic in terms of positive team culture and they will take a lot of lessons from that loss.
The Broncos on the other hand, have started the season strongly, something not done in recent seasons.
This was a goal they were open and honest about and they should be proud of the manner in which they have achieved it.
Their convincing win shone a light on the exceptional strength they have in their line up across the park but equally their capacity to ‘walk the walk’ is obvious.
The Round 3 match up against the Roosters will be the real test of who can stamp their authority as the Premiership favourites for 2025.
