The Warriors opened their NRLW season with a 32-10 victory over the Canterbury Bulldogs in Hamilton, with centre Emmanita Paki and wing Lavinia Tauhalaliku each crossing for doubles.
The Warriors took a 10-0 lead into halftime despite a shaky start that saw them concede five consecutive penalties, drawing a warning from the referee. Debutant prop Mya Hill-Moana was sin-binned for 10 minutes for a hip-drop tackle on Bulldogs captain Tayla Preston, but five-eighth Gayle Broughton scored while her team was still a player down. Broughton then set up Paki's opening try with a long pass. Payton Takimoana was forced off at halftime with a shoulder injury sustained while seemingly scoring in the right corner.
The home side posted three tries in a burst straight after the restart. Second-rower Shakira Baker forced a turnover from the kickoff with a strong tackle on Bulldogs prop Angelina Teakaraanga-Katoa. Paki crossed for her second after a pass from fullback Apii Nicholls, centre Tysha Ikenasio finished on the wing following another Nicholls delivery, and Tauhalaliku scored her first from combination play involving Broughton, Nicholls and Paki. Canterbury were limited to kicking off four times across almost 8 minutes in the second half, having no other possession of the ball.
Halfback Patricia Maliepo added another try after weaving through tackles, with Harata Butler particularly damaging up the middle of the park. The Bulldogs got on the scoreboard through prop Alexis Tauaneai from slick handling, but Tauhalaliku completed her double from a Butler run and Broughton pass. Canterbury centre Monica Tagoai scored the final try of the match.
The result left the Warriors third on the NRLW table after the opening round, sitting behind Brisbane Broncos and Sydney Roosters on points difference. The Warriors travel to face Canberra Raiders the following Sunday.