Lauititi helps Warriors Women to second win
- Dave Worsley
- Aug 3
- 2 min read
Updated: Aug 4
The NZ Warriors have claimed their second win of their NRLW beating the North Queensland Cowboys 12-6 at 'Magic Round' in Newcastle.
The game saw the emeregence of teenage forward Ivana Lauitiiti on her debut with a first-half try and gamewinning tackle, as both teams struggled to overcome stormy conditions.
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Ivana is the daughter of former Warriors legend Ali Lauititi.
The Warriors had Michaela Brake ruled out late for personal reasons, replaced by teenage debutant Tyra Wetere.
North Queensland scored first, when the Warriors could not handle a kick on their goal-line and former Black Fern Rosie Kelly dived on the loose ball.
Warriors halfback Emily Curtain kicked into the goal area and Wetere chased it down, but replays detected a slight knock-on in the process.
As heavy rain fell, they went close again, when five-eighth Patricia Maliepo kicked for Wetere's corner and the Cowboys defenders needed two attempts to deflect the ball dead.
Moments later, centre Tysha Ikenasio was held up over the line, but from the next play, another teenage debutant - Lauitiiti smashed her way over to score in the 25th minute.
Leading 8-6 at the break, they had an early opportunity to build on their lead after the restart, when Curtain was tackled while kicking the ball, but with conditions becoming increasingly slippery, they could not capitalise.
They finally broke through off a powerful run from prop Metanoia Fotu-Moala and quick hands put winger Payton Takimoana over in the corner in the 50th minute for what would be the winning score.
The Warriors had an injury issue when captain and fullback Apii Nicholls was tackled heavily and had to leave the field for a head check with 10 minutes remaining. She subsequently passed her HIA, but could not return to help her team.
North Queensland had one last attempt to force extra time, when Takimoana spilled the ball in her own half with seconds remaining, but Lauitiita produced a big tackle that forced a knock-on as the side held on for victory.
At McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle: Warriors 12 (Ivana Lauitiiti, Payton Takimoana tries; Patricia Maliepo con, penalty goal) North Queensland Cowboys 6 (Rosie Kelly 9’ try; Emma Manzelmann con) HT: 8-6.