One New Zealand Warriors rookie Payton Takimoana’s second hat-trick of the season has catapulted her to the top of the NRLW try-scoring standings.
Her treble came after the Warriors were reduced to 11 players after having Matekino Gray and Tysha Ikenasio sent off en route to a brave 16-20 loss to the Raiders in Saturday night's Indigenous Round clash in Hamilton.
The Tauranga-born 21-year-old winger boosted her tally to 10 tries in seven appearances to jump two ahead of second-placed Brisbane fullback Tamika Upton.
Takimoana didn’t score in the opening round against the Sydney Roosters but she has been among the try scorers in each of her last six outings including her first hat-trick in the Warriors’ loss to the Newcastle Knights.
Match: Warriors v Raiders
Round 7 -
home Team
Warriors
6th Position
away Team
Raiders
12th Position
Venue: FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton
While she’s from a family with strong rugby league background she is having her first season playing the code.
Takimoana’s has represented the Bay of Plenty Volcanix in rugby union’s Farah Palmer Cup.
Takimoana's treble: Smart short side play for first try
Takimoana's treble: Turua-Quedley's deft kick lays on second
Takimoana's treble: Albert-Jones, Baker create third
