Warriors Fall to Titans 20-10 in NRLW Home Defeat

The NZ Warriors suffered their third defeat in four appearances this NRLW season, losing 20-10 to the Gold Coast Titans at Go Media Stadium in Auckland. This marked a disappointing turn for the Warriors, who were aiming to build on their first-ever home victory just two weeks prior.

The Titans established an early lead, scoring three tries within the first half. The opening points came when winger Lily Patston capitalized on a short side play, diving over in the corner. Lauren Brown successfully converted from the sideline, putting Gold Coast ahead early on. The Titans continued to dominate, with quick ball movement allowing winger Georgia Grey to score in the left corner.

Despite showing signs of attacking potential, the Warriors struggled to penetrate the Titans’ resilient defense. The home side’s discipline faltered, conceding penalties that allowed the Titans to maintain pressure and control of the game. The Titans’ Lily-Rose Kolc extended the lead by finding space from dummy half, scoring near the line.

The Warriors almost scored when centre Emmanita Paki chased down a kick from Patricia Maliepo. Unfortunately, a tricky bounce denied her the opportunity. Yet, just before halftime, Paki redeemed herself, offloading to winger Payton Takimoana, who managed to score her fifth try of the season. The Warriors went into the break trailing 14-4, needing a strong second half to turn the game around.

In the second half, the Titans continued to apply pressure. Fullback Jaime Chapman dashed through the Warriors’ defense, scoring next to the posts, which significantly dampened the home team’s hopes of a comeback. Compounding their troubles, Maliepo, the Warriors’ most dynamic offensive player, was briefly sidelined for a head injury assessment but returned to the field.

The debut of interchange forward Metanoia Fotu-Moala, the third sister in her family to play NRLW, provided a glimmer of hope for the Warriors. She powered over for a try next to the posts with ten minutes remaining. Despite this late surge and several repeat sets in the Titans’ red zone, the Warriors were unable to capitalize, ultimately running out of time as the score remained 20-10 in favor of the Titans.

Looking ahead, the Warriors will travel to Newcastle for ‘Magic Round’, where they are set to face the North Queensland Cowboys on Sunday. The team will be eager to regroup and find a way to convert their attacking potential into points as the season progresses.