Warriors secure victory in Hamilton
The One New Zealand Warriors secured a 22-14 NRLW victory over the Newcastle Knights in Hamilton. This result is significant for the Warriors, as it allows them to gain ground on the leading teams in the competition. Both teams entered the match with six points, trailing the top three teams—the Broncos, Roosters, and Titans—by four points. The win brings the Warriors‘ record to four wins from six games, placing them on eight points, two behind the leading trio.
The Warriors, wearing their Te Ārahi jerseys for Indigenous Round, started the match strongly. Tysha Ikenasio scored two tries within the first six minutes, showcasing her pace and strength on the right wing to complete backline movements. However, the Knights found their rhythm, with Simone Karpani scoring a try. Kirra Dibb also scored after an Apii Nicholls kick, giving the Knights a 12-10 lead at halftime.
In the second half, Ikenasio completed her hat-trick early on. The Warriors continued to build momentum, with Stacey Waaka scoring midway through the half. A chip and chase effort from Nicholls further extended their lead, contributing to their eventual 22-14 win.
Team changes and key performances
Jay Huriwai returned to the Warriors‘ lineup for the Indigenous Round clash against the Newcastle Knights. She was named on the interchange for the match at FMG Stadium Waikato in Hamilton. Huriwai had missed the previous week’s Magic Round match against the Titans due to concussion protocols, following a head knock in the 14-12 victory over the Parramatta Eels in round four.
Initially named on the extended bench earlier in the week, Huriwai was moved to the interchange at the 24-hour pre-match deadline. This change was one of several for the Warriors. Following their 16-18 Magic Round defeat to the Titans, head coach Ron Griffiths made adjustments to the backline.
Stacey Waaka, a rugby union sevens star, was moved to the centres, with Tysha Ikenasio shifting to the wing. Waaka had previously played on the wing for her club debut against the Raiders, then moved to the centres for wins against the Cowboys (where she scored two tries) and Parramatta, and was on the left wing against Gold Coast, scoring her third try in four games. Ikenasio, who had played in the centres for her eight outings last year and the first five rounds this season, was selected on the wing for this match.
Another change saw Waikato local Mya Hill-Moana return to the interchange after missing the trip to Wagga Wagga. The rest of the starting combination remained consistent for the contest. The Knights had previously secured a 32-12 victory over the Eels, moving them to fourth on the ladder, one place ahead of the Warriors based on points for and against.
In the previous match, the Warriors mounted a comeback, reducing a 0-18 deficit to 16-18 with three tries in nine minutes against the Titans, but were unable to secure the win. In that game, centre Mele Hufanga scored a try and recorded 129 metres, 41 post-contact metres, and six tackle breaks. Loose forward Kaiyah Atai (142 metres), prop Metanoia Fetalaiga (110 metres), and fullback Apii Nicholls (106 metres) also surpassed 100 metres, with front rower Harata Butler (99 metres) and second rower Shakira Baker (93 metres) close behind.
Upcoming implications and team standings
With a 3-2 record after five rounds, the Warriors were keen to secure another win in Hamilton, having opened their season there with a 32-10 victory over the Bulldogs on July 5. The match against the Knights was expected to be a high-quality and entertaining encounter, with both sides in contention for the finals.
Heading into the round, Newcastle was positioned fourth on the ladder, while the Warriors were fifth. The Knights arrived buoyed by their 32-12 win over Parramatta in Magic Round, a performance that highlighted their attacking flair and defensive discipline. The Warriors‘ narrow two-point loss to the Titans underscored their competitiveness and the close margins among the top teams in the competition.
The home-ground advantage in Hamilton was considered a significant factor, as the Warriors have generally performed well when playing in New Zealand, particularly when their forward pack establishes early dominance. The match was anticipated to be a fast, physical encounter with genuine implications for the finals race. The Warriors have won only one of their four games in Hamilton prior to this match, while the Knights played in New Zealand for the first time in this fixture.
The Warriors have scored 74 points in back-to-back wins in New Zealand. Knights winger Mercedez Taulelei-Siala has scored five tries in six NRLW appearances. The match officials included referee Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski and senior review official Gerard Sutton.
The Warriors‘ victory over the Knights in Hamilton puts them on eight points in the standings.
Source: warriors.kiwi
