13 Jul 2025

Warriors women chalk up first win in NRLW return

4:20 pm on 13 July 2025
Michaela Brake of the Warriors dives to score a try, One New Zealand Warriors Women v Parramatta Eels.

Michaela Brake scores her first NRLW try for the Warriors. Photo: Brett Phibbs/www.photosport.nz

NZ Warriors have shown themselves to be quick learners, overpowering Parramatta Eels 14-0 at Auckland's Go Media Stadium for their first win in their return to the NRLW.

In their first home game since 2019, the wahine bounced back from last week's season-opening loss to the champion Sydney Roosters across the Tasman, as their inexperienced roster demonstrated far more composure and cohesion in slippery conditions.

From the opening kickoff, they forced their opponents into a handling error and, from the scrum, they presented sevens star Michaela Brake with enough space to score her first NRLW try.

From another Eels mistake, the home side went the other way for left wing Payton Takimoana to slide across in the corner.

Brake almost had a second with halftime approaching, but was held up by two tacklers and lost the ball trying to stretch for the tryline.

Moments later, she broke from deep in her own half and was barely tripped by the final defender with the line open before her, performing a perfect forward-roll dismount, but running out of support.

Parramatta seemed to pull a try back before the break, but the final pass to winger Zali Fay was ruled forward.

Trailling 8-0 at halftime, the Eels had their chances to bridge the gap. The field opened up for fullback Abbi Church from her inside own half, but she was eventually dumped by counterpart Apii Nicholls.

Warriors half Emily Curtain stuck out a foot to deny Eels centre Rory Owen.

Finally, Curtain delivered the crippling blow for the Warriors, kicking to the goal area, where centre Tysha Ikenasio - another sevens convert - recovered the bounce to score.

Midfield partner Emmanita Paki also went close, but was held up over the line.

Brake finished with a game-high 197 running metres, while second-rower Kyah Atai led her team defensively with 31 tackles.

Next Sunday, Warriors coach Ron Griffiths returns to his old stomping ground, when his new team take on Newcastle Knights across the ditch. Griffiths guided the Knights to back-to-back NRLW premierships, before changing allegiances.

See how it unfolded:

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