The Warriors were defeated by the Wests Tigers in an NRLW match held in Sydney on Sunday afternoon. The Tigers secured a 30-22 victory, with a late try and two penalty goals contributing to their win.
Kiwi Ferns halfback Raecene McGregor played a key role for the Tigers, managing the game and executing successful goal kicks. She contributed to the first try for the Tigers after 12 minutes, with fullback Caitlin Turnbull scoring from a kick. The Tigers then extended their lead when winger Lily Rogan scored.
Tigers’ Early Dominance and Warriors’ Response
The Tigers continued their strong start, with Rogan scoring a second try shortly after. Despite trailing, the Warriors responded, earning back-to-back penalties. Winger Tysha Ikenasio scored a try, followed by centre Stacey Waaka.
A third try for the Warriors came at halftime, with Emma Paki completing an 80-metre effort initiated by fullback Apii Nicholls and lock Kaiyah Atai. This narrowed the score to 16-12 at the break.
The Tigers began the second half with a try from centre Namoe Gesa, which McGregor converted. McGregor’s goalkicking was a significant factor, converting three out of four attempts, while the Warriors’ Patricia Maliepo had missed her initial attempts.
Second Half Battle and Decisive Moments
The Warriors fought back in the second half, with Ikenasio scoring her second try, and Atai also crossing the line. Maliepo successfully converted Atai’s try, bringing the score to 22-22.
However, the Tigers regained the lead with a converted try from interchange player Faythe Manera. McGregor then secured the win for the Tigers with a late penalty goal, bringing the final score to 30-22.
This result places the Warriors in sixth position on the ladder, with a record of four wins and three losses. The Tigers, who were last year’s wooden spooners, now have five wins in 2026.
The match saw key performances from players such as Caitlin Turnbull of the Tigers, who recorded 162 run metres and scored a try. Veteran forward Holli Wheeler also contributed significantly with 30 tackles and 113 run metres for the Tigers.
For the Warriors, Emmanita Paki was noted for her performance in the first half, running over 60 metres with the ball, setting up a try, and scoring one herself. The Warriors completed 92 percent of their sets in the first half but had 43 percent possession, conceding five penalties.
The Tigers‘ victory was sealed in the final minutes of the game, with Manera’s try and McGregor’s penalty goal proving decisive.
The NRLW Telstra Premiership Round 7 also featured other matches, including the Raiders defeating the Knights 25-18. The Raiders, led by halfback Zahara Temara, moved into the top four after this win. The final game of Round 7 was between the Cowboys and Sharks in Townsville.
In the match between the Cowboys and Sharks, the Sharks scored early with Tiana Penitani Gray crossing the line after receiving a pass from Georgia Hannaway. Hannaway successfully converted the try, giving the Sharks an early lead of 6-0.
For the Cowboys, Abigail Roache was ruled out due to a knee injury, with Kayla Jackson entering the starting side for her club debut. Emma Manzelmann’s season-ending foot injury led to Alisha Foord starting at hooker, and Lydia Turua-Quedley was set to play at five-eighth. Nadia Windleborn was in line for an NRLW debut, added to the bench. Fullback Fran Golthorp had scored four tries in her last five games.
The Sharks saw Marewa Samson promoted to the starting wing for her NRLW debut, with Cassie Staples moving to the centres and China Polata to the back row. Manilita Takapautolo moved to prop, and Caitlan Johnston-Green shifted to the bench. Prop Ellie Johnston had scored a try in all three games at Queensland Country Bank Stadium.
The Tigers secured their fifth victory of 2026 by reclaiming an early lead to defeat the Warriors 30-22.
Source: rnz.co.nz
