Live Blog: Warriors launch campaign with emphatic win

Press Conferences

Full-time: Canterbury have crossed as the final siren sounded, Monica Tagoai scoring a late try to narrow the deficit. The try doesn't change the result with the Warriors claiming a comprehensive victory. The big names all fired, with halves Gayle Broughton and Patricia Maliepo dissecting the Bulldogs defensive line to lay the foundation for the win. Warriors 32 - Bulldogs 10.

69th minute: The Warriors have put an exclamation mark on a convincing victory, winger Lavinia Tauhalaliku scoring in the corner. The middle forwards put the hosts on the front foot and Gayle Broughton ensured her side capitalised on a retreating defensive line, delivering a perfect pass to lay on the try. Warriors 32 - Bulldogs 6.

62nd minute: The Bulldogs are on the board, with Alexis Tauaneai scoring a well-worked try. Canterbury have had success when playing direct this afternoon and that's how they scored this one. Five-eighth Shaquaylah Mahakitau-Monschau got the team rolling forward before offloading to Angelina Teakaraanga-Katoa, who linked up with fellow prop Tauaneai for the try. Warriors 28 - Bulldogs 6.

55th minute: Just as they did in the first half, the Warriors have turned defence into points. After rolling down the field, the hosts forced a line dropout and another attacking set. Patricia Maliepo was the player to break through, the halfback stepping past multiple Canterbury defenders. Warriors 26 - Bulldogs 0.

50th minute: The Bulldogs are threatening with ball in hand and having some success when they play direct but there is still no way through the Warriors defensive line. Instead, the hosts scramble to deny their opponents and maintain the clean sheet. Warriors 22 - Bulldogs 0.

45th minute: The Bulldogs can finally catch a breath after the Warriors' perfect start to the second half ended with an error. Canterbury now have their first set of six for the half and it's in attacking field position. The hosts have been dealt a blow with Laishon Albert-Jones limping from the field with a leg injury. The interchange forward has been superb since coming on to the field midway through the first half. Warriors 22 - Bulldogs 0.

43rd minute: It's three tries in three sets for the Warriors and the Bulldogs are shellshocked. A penalty helped the hosts roll down the field on this occasion and they gladly took advantage of the prime field position. Lavinia Tauhalaliku was the try-scorer this time, the winger scoring in the corner after a nice Emmanita Paki pass. Warriors 22 - Bulldogs 0.

39th minute: The points keep on coming for the Warriors, who have scored two tries in two sets of six before the Bulldogs have even touched the ball in the second half. Jasmin Huriwai has been dynamic since coming on to the field midway through the first half, she produced a big run before the Emmanita Paki try and she's played a key role in this one, Tysha Ikenasio scoring in the corner. Warriors 18 - Bulldogs 0.

Kick-off: We are back underway in Hamilton and it's a dream start for the Warriors. It took the hosts less than 60 seconds to roll down the field and score courtesy of Emmanita Paki. Warriors 14 - Bulldogs 0.

Half-time: The Bulldogs produce an important defensive stop in the final minute of the half to stay in touch with the Warriors. Canterbury had plenty of chances in the opening 20 minutes of the half, and an extra player for 10 minutes, but could not find a way through the Warriors defensive line. The hosts then took control of the contest in the final 15 minutes, Gayle Broughton scoring a try and setting up another to give her side a 10-point lead. Warriors 10 - Bulldogs 0.

33rd minute: It's been a tough couple of minutes for the Warriors, with Shakira Baker leaving the field with blood pouring down her face. Now interchange utility and debutant Jasmin Huriwai is slow to get up from a heavy tackle but she is back on her feet and will play on. Meanwhile, Tayla Preston has put out a kick on the full while attempting a 40-30. The error hands the Warriors another chance to strike in the final 90 seconds of the half. Warriors 10 - Bulldogs 0.

29th minute: Payton Takimoana has been awarded a try by the on-field referee but the Bunker will take a close look at this. The Warriors winger attempted to ground the ball in the corner amid heavy traffic from multiple Bulldogs defenders coming across in cover. The Canterbury players got there in time, the Warrior's foot touching the sideline before she grounded the ball and the try is disallowed. To make matters worse, Takimoana picked up a shoulder injury in the process. She will attempt to play on but is in a bit of pain. Warriors 10 - Bulldogs 0.

27th minute: We've had a Captain's Challenge by the Warriors after Payton Takimoana threw a speculative offload in the carry from the kick off. The on-field ruling was a knock on but replays show a Bulldogs player was in front of the kicker at the kick off. It's a successful challenge and the Warriors have another chance to attack. Warriors 10 - Bulldogs 0.

26th minute: Gayle Broughton scored a try a few minutes ago, now she's set one up with a pinpoint pass to centre Emmanita Paki. Paki hit the ball in stride, got on the outside of her defender and surged to the try line. Warriors 10 - Bulldogs 0.

21st minute: Gayle Broughton has made an instant impact for the Warriors, throwing a dummy and slicing through the Bulldogs defensive line to score the opening points of the match. The Warriors have repelled multiple Canterbury attacking sets throughout the opening 20 and they've now reaped the rewards. Warriors 6 - Bulldogs 0.

20th minute: The Warriors are aiming up defensively while down a player, with Annetta Nuuausala producing a big hit to force the ball free and earn her side an attacking opportunity. Warriors 0 - Bulldogs 0.

14th minute: The Bulldogs continue to attack the Warriors line and Tayla Preston has come extremely close to breaking through. The halfback threw a dummy and stepped towards the try-line, falling awkwardly as the Warriors defenders held her up. Preston looks to be in significant pain btu has had her knee strapped and will attempt to play on. Warriors prop Mya Hill-Moana has been sent to the sin bin for the hip-drop tackle and Canterbury will have another set to strike. Warriors 0 - Bulldogs 0.

9th minute: The Warriors have given away multiple penalties in the opening exchanges of this match to gift their opponents excellent field position. The referee has given a formal warning, with the next penalty to be associated with a trip to the sin bin. While Canterbury have another attacking opportunity, they have not been able to convert and the Warriors regain possession. Warriors 0 - Bulldogs 0. 

4th minute: It's an important defensive stand by the Bulldogs, who defend multiple sets to hold out the Warriors. Canterbury then received a penalty and an exit from their own half. Warriors 0 - Bulldogs 0. 

Kick-off: We're underway in front of a big crowd in Hamilton, with the Warriors out to kickstart their 2026 campaign with a win. Ron Griffiths has recruited well this season and many tip the Warriors to challenge for the premiership. It's the Bulldogs' second NRLW campaign but it hasn't started well, Angelina Teakaraanga-Katoa dropping the ball in the opening carry. Warriors 0 - Bulldogs 0.

Late Mail

Warriors: The Warriors will line up 1-17, with Metanoia Fetalaiga the 18th player. Former Broncos Gayle Broughton (halfback) and Annetta Nuuausala (prop) are ready to roll along with Rugby convert Jasmin Huriwai (interchange), while Olympic gold medallist and former Bronco Stacey Waaka is listed in the reserves. Fellow recruit Mele Hufanga has not been named after she picked up a hamstring injury while back-rower Kaiyah Atai (thumb), middle forward Matekino Gray (foot) and new signing Anastasia Sekene (ankle) picked up injuries in the trial game against the Broncos.

Bulldogs: One late change for the Bulldogs in the game-day update, Mary-Jane Taito coming into the starting side at hooker and Ebony Prior shifting to the interchange. Rugby convert Tamika Jones will make her NRLW debut in the back row while Dayna Nankivell, Mary-Jane Taito, Giovanna Suani and Evelyn Roberts are also in the frame to debut. Andie Robinson will wear the No.1 jumper after starting in all 11 games last season. 

Eels v Wests Tigers at CommBank Stadium

Press Conferences

Full-time: The Tigers look to have put a punctuation mark on a dominant victory over the Eels in the final play of the game. Raecene McGregor putting up a bomb, Namoe Gesa leaping through the air to take the catch and ground the ball, the debutant bobbled the ball in the contest, however and the Bunker has disallowed the try. It means little, with a new-look Tigers team kicking off the season in fine fashion. Eels 16 - Wests Tigers 28.

67th minute: Parramatta's comeback bid has been dealt a blow, Boss Kapua sent to the sin bin for a shoulder charge that collected Emily Bass high. Bass will leave the field for an HIA. Eels 16 - Wests Tigers 28.

60th minute: We have a game on our hands. Jackson was denied moments ago but there is no stopping Rory Owen, who crosses for her second. Rachael Pearson's conversion pulls her team within two converted tries and we are set for a grandstand finish. Eels 16 - Wests Tigers 28.

58th minute: Parramatta appear to have capitalised, Chloe Jackson claiming the try. The Bunker, however has taken a close look and spotted a little knock on. Rachael Pearson put the grubber through, Lily Rogan was unable to take possession and Jackson was on the spot. After Rogan knocked it on, the ball bounced off Lindsay Tui's arm. It's a double knock on, no try but the Eels have an attacking set of six. Eels 10 - Wests Tigers 28

57th minute: The Tigers are pushing to extend their lead, however the Eels defence has been much-improved in the second half. The hosts have now received a penalty and a chance to close the gap. Eels 10 - Wests Tigers 28.

50th minute: The Eels have got one back, Rory Owen surging past the Tigers defenders to score out wide. The attacking chance came after Tigers fullback Caitlin Turnbull spilled a kick and Parramatta capitalised. Eels 10 - Wests Tigers 28.

45th minute: Shaylee Bent has a try in her Wests Tigers debut. After repelling the Eels at the other end, the visitors rolled down the field before earning a repeat set. Faythe Manera was held up over the line but there was no stopping Bent. Eels 4 - Wests Tigers 28.

43rd minute: We've just had a big defensive stand from the Tigers, who prevent the Eels from scoring a second try in quick succession. Parramatta had rolled down the field and earned a repeat set through a penalty, but the Tigers held firm and eventually forced an error from Martha Mataele. Eels 4 - Wests Tigers 22.

39th minute: The Eels needed to strike first to stay in this contest and that's what they've done. Rachael Pearson chipped in behind the Tigers defensive line, The Eels scooped up the loose ball before a couple of desperation offloads and eventually Martha Mataele crossed in the corner. Eels 4 - Wests Tigers 22.

Kick-off: We're back for the second half with Parramatta looking to strike first to kick-start their comeback effort. The Eels had no answer for a dominant Tigers attack in the opening 35 minutes and they'll have to win the battle up front to put halfback Raecene McGregor under more pressure. Eels 0 - Wests Tigers 22. 

Half-time: That is time on a dominant half of football by the Wests Tigers, who blew the Eels off the park. The hosts had no answer for the Tigers new-look attack, with halfback Raecene McGregor pulling the string and steering her team around the park. The Tigers ran in four tries to nil to jump out to a 22-point lead. Eels 0 - Wests Tigers 22.

33rd minute: It hasn't taken long for the Tigers to capitalise, Kezie Apps crashing over for the try. The Jillaroos co-captain ran an excellent line and the Eels defence couldn't stop her from getting over the line. Eels 0 - Wests Tigers 22.

31st minute: The Eels have lodged a Captain's Challenge after Rachael Pearson was ruled to have been trapped in her own in-goal. The Eels halfback was fighting desperately to get back into the field of play but the ball was grounded on the try-line and the Tigers have another attacking set. Eels 0 - Wests Tigers 16. 

29th minute: The Tigers look to have continued their dominant run but the Bunker has intervened. Emily Bass appeared to have scored in the corner, however replays show the winger dropped the ball and the Eels can breathe a big sigh of relief. Eels 0 - Tigers 16.

25th minute: The Tigers have their third and they've punished the Eels for their failure to put a penalty kick into touch. A few players later, Raecene McGregor took on a retreating defensive line before passing back infield to Faythe Manera to finish it off. Eels 0 - Wests Tigers 16.

23rd minute: We're off to the Bunker after Rachael Pearson produced a well-placed grubber into the in-goal. Eels centre Lindsay Tui led the race to the ball but she couldn't reel it in and knocked it on. Eels 0 - Wests Tigers 10.

18th minute: The Tigers have gone back to back, earning a line dropout before Caitlin Turnbull latched on to a Raecene McGregor pass and surged past a couple of defenders to score her side's second. The Tigers have posed plenty of questions in attack throughout the opening exchanges and they're starting to reap the rewards. Eels 0 - Wests Tigers 10.

15th minute: The Tigers have the opening points of the game courtesy of Emily Bass. Raecene McGregor has been perfect with the boot throughout the opening 15 minutes and she's laid it on the platter for her winger, Bass simply running through to catch a well-placed cross-field kick and score the try. Eels 0 - Wests Tigers 4. 

12th minute: The Tigers successfully defended their own line but they've now lost Salma Nour to an HIA. The hooker collided with teammate Sarah Togatuki and suffered a nasty gash to her head. Parramatta continue to ask questions in attack but they can't find a way through the Tigers defensive line. Eels 0 - Wests Tigers 0.

8th minute: It's been a back and forth start to the contest and the Eels now have a prime attacking opportunity after Rachael Pearson nailed a 40-30 to earn her side a repeat set. Eels 0 - Wests Tigers 0.

Kick-off: We are underway at CommBank Stadium with the Tigers looking to kick off the Craig Sandercock era with a win. The new coach has recruited heavily for this season, Raecene McGregor, Shaylee Bent and Holli Wheeler among the new faces. Parramatta narrowly missed out on a place in the finals last season but they're young squad has been tipped to take another big step forward this year. Eels 0 - Wests Tigers 0.

Stat Attack

• The Eels have won their last two games against the Tigers.
• The Tigers have not won an opening round game since 2023.
• Eels winger Martha Mataele has scored four tries in her last two games at CommBank Stadium.
• Tigers halfback Raecene McGregor requires two points for 100 NRLW points.

Late Mail

Eels: Parramatta will line up 1-17, with Zali Fay the 18th player. Kennedy Cherrington will line up at lock, with Queensland and Jillaroos star Keilee Joseph unavailable due to a knee injury. Cassey Tohi-Hiku and Rachael Pearson will combine in the halves to lead a backline featuring NSW fullback Abbi Church and Maroons centre Rory Owen.

Wests Tigers: No further changes in the final team update after the Tigers made a change to their starting line-up in the 24-hour squad update, with Namoe Gesa coming into the centres at the expense of Rikeya Horne, who has been ruled out. Portia Bourke was elevated to the interchange. Brooke Talataina is the 18th player. The Craig Sandercock era will begin this weekend at the Tigers, with captain Kezie Apps named in the back row alongside Shaylee Bent and Holli Wheeler at lock. Off-season recruit Raecene McGregor will start at halfback and partner five-eighth Losana Lutu, who is set for her first NRLW match since Round 4 last year. Rikeya Horne returns at centre after missing the 2025 season due to pregnancy.