The Warriors women have gotten off to a perfect start in their inaugural NRLW campaign, beating a star-studded Sydney Roosters outfit 10-4 at ANZ Stadium in Sydney this afternoon.
Strong defence proved to be the difference in the match as the Warriors denied the potent attacking options Sydney had at their disposal time and time again to never allow them a lead in the first ever NRLW match.
The defence was matched by a composed attacking front with winger Hilda Mariu becoming the first player to score a try in the competition after she finished in the right corner strongly in the first half.
The Warriors built on their lead with a try to Luisa Gago but poor display late in the first half saw the Roosters respond and set the score at 10-4 at half time.
From there, it became a battle of attrition as both sides defences locked up in their halves, allowing minimal line breaks or opportunities out wide.
The Warriors ultimately won the war though, with captain Laura Mariu lining up a big hit on Jillaroos star Isabelle Kelly in the final minutes to force a knock on and effectively win the game.
The win greatly increases the Warriors chances of reaching the final with games against the Broncos and Dragons still to come.
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