NRLW Match Report | Round 6 v Eels

Press Conferences

Full-time: The Roosters have set up a showdown with the Broncos next Saturday with a comprehensive victory over the Eels at a wet Polytec Stadium. John Strange's side ran in nine tries to one, turning a 14-6 half-time lead into a 46-6 victory. Tarryn Aiken starred in in her return from a shoulder injury, while Brydie Parker, Corban Baxter and Sariah Paki each scored doubles. The Roosters focus now turns to next week's grand final rematch against the Broncos as they look to avenge last year's loss. Roosters 46 - Eels 6.

67th minute: The Roosters have launched a Captain's Challenge after they were penalised for a strip, with the hosts arguing a loose carry. The Bunker agrees, with the call overturned and the Roosters receiving possession. Roosters 46 - Eels 6.

66th minute: Millie Elliott has her first NRLW try since 2023, the Roosters forward latching on to a Liv Kernick pass to burst through a gap and score beside the posts. The try came after the Eels failed to defuse another bomb, with the Roosters taking advantage. Roosters 46 - Eels 6.

62nd minute: Another Tarryn Aiken kick has delivered a result, this time a bomb to Zali Fay, who spilled the ball. The ball rebounded and came off multiple legs before ending up in Jayme Fressard's hands, the local girl scoring in the corner. Roosters 40 - Eels 6. 

57th minute: More pain for the Eels with Chloe Jackson ruled out for the match after that earlier head knock and Abbi Church limping from the field following an awkward tackle. Multiple Roosters landed on the Parramatta fullback's legs however it has been deemed incidental contact. Roosters 36 - Eels 6.

54th minute: Tarryn Aiken has starred in her return from injury and the Roosters halfback has laid on another try. Aiken put the ball on the toe, kicking in behind the Eels defensive line, with Corban Baxter racing through to score her second try of the night. Roosters 36 - Eels 6.

50th minute: Olivia Kernick put Otesa Pule through a hole with an excellent pass and she was rewarded a couple of plays later with a try of her own. The lock chased a Tarryn Aiken grubber, Eels centre got a horror bounce and Kernick was there to score the try. Roosters 28 - Eels 6. 

45th minute: We've got a stoppage, with another Eel suffering a head knock. It's Chloe Jackson who went down low to make a tackle and came off second best. The back-rower has left the field for an HIA, with Keilee Joseph injected back into the fray. Roosters 26 - Eels 6.

43rd minute: The Roosters have gone bang-bang to start the second half, with another bomb producing a result. Tarryn Aiken put the ball in the air, Jess Sergis got up and tapped it back to Corban Baxter, who beat the fullback and reached out to slam the ball down. Roosters 26 - Eels 6.

40th minute: The Roosters have started the second the same way they started the first and they have turned their early dominance into points. Tarryn Aiken produced some brilliant playmaking to step across and engage multiple defenders before sending Sariah Paki through a big hole for her second try of the night. Roosters 20 - Eels 6.

Kick-off: The second half is underway with Amber Hall taking the first hit up. The Roosters are looking to kick clear early, while Parramatta are desperate to strike first as they mount a comeback bid. Roosters 14 - Eels 6.

Half-time: That is time on a high-quality half of football in wet conditions on the Central Coast, with the Roosters taking an eight-point advantage into the break. The hosts burst out of the gate and jumped out to a 14-0 lead before the Eels worked their way into the contest and hit back through Taneka Todhunter. Roosters 14 - Eels 6.

30th minute: The Eels have hit back with Taneka Todhunter scoring the first try of her NRLW career. The hooker spotted the markers were out of position, darted from dummy half and burrowed over. After a slow start, Parramatta have worked their way into this contest and they're now trailing by just eight. Roosters 14 - Eels 6.

24th minute: Roosters coach John Strange has turned to his bench and they've delivered an instant impact, with Aliyah Nasio putting her team on the front foot with a powerful carry. Tarryn Aiken took full advantage of the quick play the ball and sent Brydie Parker over for her second try of the night. Roosters 14 - Eels 0.

23rd minute: We're off to the Bunker with the Eels claiming a try after multiple teams attempted to secure a kick into the in goal. The ball bounced off Abbi Church's arm so it's no try and the Roosters receive a 20m tap. Roosters 10 - Eels 0.

20th minute: The Roosters bombs continue to cause issues for the Eels back three and they've led to their second try of the night. Sariah Paki was the beneficiary, running a superb line off Jocelyn Kelleher to punch through for the try. Roosters 10 - Eels 0.

16th minute: The Roosters have been rewarded for their early dominance, with Brydie Parker benefiting from some quick passing following a deflected grubber. Parramatta have defended valiantly through the opening exchanges but the weight of possession eventually proved too great. Jess Sergis has also been slow to get up following the try but she is back on her feet and will play on. Roosters 6 - Eels 0. 

12th minute: We've got a brief stoppage, with Ryvrr-Lee Alo receiving some treatment and now leaving the field for an HIA after a head knock. It has immediately deemed a Category 1 and Alo has been ruled out for the match. The Eels have possession after a forward pass brought a premature end to the Roosters attacking opportunity. Roosters 0 - Eels 0.

10th minute: The Roosters have another chance to attack after Jocelyn Kelleher launched a towering bomb. The ball soared high into the air and Parramatta were not able to catch it, with an Eel eventually spilling the loose ball to hand the Roosters an attacking scrum. Roosters 0 - Eels 0.

5th minute: It's nearly a dream start for the Roosters, who have spent the first five minutes on the attack. Eventually Tarryn Aiken put a grubber into the in goal, with Jess Sergis winning the race to the ball however she wasn't able to ground it before it came loose and the Eels survive an early scare. Roosters 0 - Eels 0.

Kick-off: We are underway in wet and windy conditions at Polytec Stadium, with the two sides coming together for an Indigenous Round ceremony and Welcome to Country before Jocelyn Kelleher kicked us off. The Roosters are looking to solidify their position at the top of the table, while the Eels are still seeking their first win but have shown plenty of improvement in the last couple of weeks. Roosters 0 - Eels 0.

Late Mail

Roosters: Star halfback Tarryn Aiken will make her return from a shoulder injury after missing the past two weeks. Aiken's comeback will see Corban Baxter revert to fullback, with Brydie Parker shifting to the wing. Roosters centre Jess Sergis has scored five tries in her last five games against the Eels. The Roosters will line up 1-17 with Mia Wood the 18th player.

Eels: Parramatta will line up 1-17, with star recruit Layne Morgan dropping out of the reserves after making her return from a facial fracture in reserve grade. Earlier in the week, a backline reshuffle for the Eels, with the return of Rory Owen from a head knock offset by the loss of Martha Mataele and Rachael Pearson to concussions. Owen will line up in the centres, with Fleur Ginn shifting to wing. Jayde Herdegen moves from five-eighth to halfback and Cassey Tohi-Hiku steps into the No.6 jumper in her return from suspension.

Dragons v Wests Tigers at St George Venues Jubilee Stadium

Media Conference

Full-time: The Tigers have made it 4-2 to start the season after scraping through in the final minute of the Round 6 blockbuster. Raecene McGregor was inspirational for her side, turning the Dragons inside out with the boot. Fullback Caitlin Turnbull also got through plenty of work, running 210 metres with the ball and breaking eight tackles.

70 min: Wests Tigers steal it on the bell! Faythe Manera comes up with a show-and-go from close range to beat Berry over the line. Tigers 16-12.

68 min: The Tigers get one more roll of the dice after McGregor comes up with a one-on-one strip on Tahlia O'Brien.

65 min: Another great play by the Tigers with Lutu finding space downfield and McGregor punts a perfectly weighted grubber to trap Berry in the in-goal. Craig Sandercock's side once again fail to capitalise. Score remains Dragons 12-10.

63 min: McGregor's signature right foot step opens up an opportunity for the Tigers to steal back the lead but the last-tackle play is a poor one with Bent passing to Shaniece Monschau for a settler.

57 min: The Tigers look to bounce back through Turnbull on the left edge but the play is called back with Tara Reinke penalised for obstruction.

54 min: It's the Dragons who finally break the stalemate, working their way downfield thanks to a Kezie Apps ruck infringement. The Red V set up on the left and Reh finds Fuimaono who steps past several Tigers defenders to score. Dragons 12-10.

49 min: Another opportunity goes begging when Shenae Ciesiolka knocks the ball on and the Dragons throw in a captain's challenge but are unsuccessful. Score remains Wests Tigers 10-8.

48 min: The Dragons are back on the attack thanks to a break downfield by Hannah Southwell and Fuimaono grubbers into the in-goal to earn a repeat set.

46 min: The Tigers get another opportunity in the attacking zone and McGregor goes high again but it is taken superbly by Berry in the in-goal.

41 min: McGregor goes high on the last tackle but the Dragons' defence holds firm.

40 min: Both sides trade sets early in the second half before the Dragons gift an opportunity to the Wests Tigers with Ella Koster pinned for a high shot on Shaylee Bent. 

Half-time: The stats reflect the scoreline at half-time as the Wests Tigers take a two-point lead to the sheds with 49 per cent possession and the Dragons with 51 per cent. The Tigers completed at a slightly higher rate (72 per cent) than the Dragons (70 per cent). Dragons stars Teagan Berry and Ruby-Jean Kennard-Ellis got through plenty of work with the ball running a combined 205 metres.

33 min: McGregor's boot continues to haunt the Dragons with Maria Paseka fumbling over another wicked bounce. The Wests Tigers poke the line but it's Lutu who capitalises with a scoot from dummy half. Wests Tigers 10-8. 

31 min: Wests Tigers get a golden opportunity in the attacking zone after Millard coughs up an awkward fifth tackle kick. The Wests Tigers go right and McGregor throws a long ball to Namoe Gesa who sets up Emily Bass in the corner. Dragons 8-4.

29 min: The Dragons earn a repeat set and threaten the try line but the Wests Tigers defence holds firm.

20 min: Dragons go back-to-back after earning a repeat set in the attacking zone. The Red V build pressure on the line before again shifting left to send Millard over for an early double. Millard again can't find the sticks. Dragons 8-0.

11 min: Taliah Fuimaono stamps her authority on the match early, breaking through the Tigers' defence and getting a basketball pass over to Jayme Millard to score in the left corner. Dragons 4-0.

10 min: Wests Tigers launch an early captain's challenge for a Salma Nour knock-on in their own end but are unsuccessful.

4 min: The Wests Tigers instantly swing back momentum with Raecene McGregor going short with the dropout and Losana Lutu comes away with the football.

4 min: A strong start from the Dragons who earn a repeat set with Kasey Reh going high and Lily Rogan getting tackled in goal. 

 

Late Mail

Dragons: The Red V are 1-17 on game day. Teenager Charis Toli will make her NRLW debut after coming on to the bench following the loss of Tyra Ekepati to a head knock. Tahlia O'Brien moves from the interchange to start at centre as a result, with Trinity Tauaneai returning to the side via the bench after missing last week's loss to the Roosters. Seriah Palepale remains in the reserves and is pushing to overcome an ankle injury that has kept her on the sidelines for the first five rounds of the season.

Wests Tigers: A late change on game day with Shenai Lendill moving to the bench and Faythe Manera lining up at centre. In the forwards, Shaniece Monschau will start at lock after Holli Wheeler was suspended for Sunday's match, with Portia Bourke, Tara Reinke and Tyla Amiatu added to the interchange.

Raiders v Broncos at GIO Stadium

Full-time: After taking a two-point lead to the sheds, the Raiders ran riot in the second half to hand Brisbane their biggest loss in NRLW history. Losing Ali Brigginshaw to suspension during the week, the Broncos were ill-disciplined and out classed, conceding 10 penalties, making 11 errors and missing 37 tackles. Meanwhile, the Raiders bounced back in style from their loss to the Cowboys in magic round, with Zahara Temara and Krystal Blackwell producing an attacking masterclass to make a huge statement to the competition.

65 min: It's a copy and paste try for Basham, who runs another neat line and capitalise off a Blackwell short ball to score her first career double. Raiders 26-4.

64 min: The Broncos launch a captain's challenge after Hinckesman is pinned for a ball strip but the bid is unsuccessful and the Raiders are back on the attack.

58 min: The Raiders go right and a Blackwell cut-out pass puts Leianne Tufuga in space who uses her footwork to beat Paitai one-on-one and cross the line. Raiders 22-4.

57 min: A poor error from Remy Teitzel invites the Raiders back into good field position. 

50 min: Simaima Taufa launched challenges her own knock-on and the Raiders retain the ball with the bunker ruling a strip from Shannon Mato. Temara slots a penalty goal to extend their lead 18-4.

48 min: The Broncos' afternoon goes from bad to worse with Julia Robinson helped from the field with a suspected knee injury and did not return, heading straight for scans.

42 min: Canberra continue to build pressure and this time Gallagher puts in a grubber which is cleaned up by Waterman who wrestles her way over the line. Raiders 16-4.

38 min: Canberra make their way back downfield in the next set and find another attacking kick off Temara to keep the ball alive but Simpson is held up just before the line.

37 min: The Raiders extend their lead early in the second half with Temara going high on the fifth for Isabella Waterman who outleaps Urwin and gets away an offload for Elise Simpson to score. Temara strikes it from the sideline. Raiders 12-4.

Half-time: The Raiders take a two-point lead to the sheds with 54 per cent of possession. It was ill-discipline that haunted the Broncos, conceding six penalties compared to the Raiders two. Fullback Sheridan Gallagher was a standout in the first half for the Green Machine, running 97 metres and breaking two tackles.

28 min: Canberra go right and Blackwell delivers a short ball for Charlotte Basham to explode into space and put her team in front. Raiders 6-4.

26 min: Rhemy Hinckesman is penalised and warned for holding up the ruck and the Raiders are on the attack.

25 min: Broncos earn a repeat set in the Red Zone and threaten the line with Deleni Paitai sending a long ball out to Kerri Johnson but the pass goes forward.

20 min: The Raiders march downfield after the Broncos concede back-to-back penalties but momentum is halted with Ferguson leaving the field for a HIA after an awkward tackle involving Grace Kemp. Ferguson later failed the assessment and will not return to the match.

16 min: Zahara Temara is pinned for a high shot and the Broncos are inside the Red Zone again. Jada Ferguson goes right for Caitlin Urwin but the pass goes into touch.

12 min: Tamika Upton puts in a grubber which ricochets off Sheridan Gallagher and bounces up for Lauren Dam who claims the opening try of the match. Southwell hits the sticks from in front. Broncos 4-0.

10 min: Jesse Southwell responds with a 40/30 of her own to give the Broncos their first opportunity in the attacking zone.

9 min: The Broncos hand over a penalty with Bree Spreadborough holding down the ruck but the Raiders continue to struggle with possession in the rain with this time Sophie Holyman coughing the ball up.

5 min: Chante Temara nails a 40/30 to piggyback the Raiders back into the Red Zone but another opportunity goes knocking when Jordyn Preston fumbles the ball.

2 min: Broncos make some big metres early but Krystal Blackwell comes up with a one-on-one steal. The Raiders can't get a grubber away on the last tackle to capitalise on the field possession.

Late Mail

Raiders: Darrin Borthwick sticks to the 17 he named on Tuesday with Jordyn Preston straight back into the starting side in her return from suspension and Hollie-Mae Dodd moving to the interchange. Winger Elise Simpson has scored nine tries in her last 10 games. 

Broncos: No further changes as Brisbane prepare to play an NRLW game without Ali Brigginshaw for the first time after she was handed a three-game ban for a dangerous tackle. Georgia Bartlett will line up at five-eighth in her place. Winger Kerri Johnson will also make her return from a shoulder injury, while Lillian Yarrow returns from a head knock on the interchange.