NRLW: The Warriors women lay down early marker with dominant second-half blitz

The Warriors women have opened their 2026 NRLW season with a statement 32-10 victory over the Bulldogs at FMG Stadium Waikato on Sunday.

The Wahs wāhine produced a powerful second half display, shutting the Bulldogs out completely.

After a tense first half, the Wahs found another level after the break, running in a flurry of tries to put the visitors away and begin the season on the right foot.

Captain Apii Nicholls could not hide her excitement after the final whistle.

“I am so happy,” Nicholls told Skysport. “Bulldogs gave us a good run out there, they were tough to play against, but really proud of our girls, and their efforts tonight.”

It was a shaky first half, with both sides trading sets and neither able to break through until the 20th minute, when debutant Gayle Broughton produced a moment of individual brilliance.

Creating something out of nothing, Broughton took the line on herself, slicing through the defence to score the Wahs opening try. Patricia Maliepo added the extras to hand the home side a deserved lead.

Despite being reduced to 12 players after Mya Hill-Moana was sent to the sin bin in the 13th minute, the Wahs still had the upper hand, with their second try coming through slick execution.

The ball was shifted cleanly to the edge before Broughton's well-timed skip pass sent Emmanita Paki down the sideline.

Lavinia Tauhalaliku of the Warriors celebrates a try. Photo/DJ Mills/Photosport

The Warriors wasted little time after the break, with Paki grabbing her second try just minutes into the second half. Crisp service through the hands created the opportunity before the winger finished it herself with a sharp show-and-go.

From there, the floodgates opened.

The Warriors' offloading game became increasingly dangerous, with the forwards and backs combining seamlessly to create space.

Tysha Ikenasio of the Warriors scores a try against the Bulldogs. Photo/DJ Mills/Photosport

After strong work through the middle, some eyes-up football saw Tysha Ikenasio cross for the club's fourth try.

The momentum continued as the Warriors' spine combined once again, working in perfect sync to send Lavinia Tauhalaliku over on the edge as the Bulldogs struggled to contain the attacking raid.

With complete control of the contest, the Wahs weren't done yet. Maliepo capped off an impressive afternoon with a well-earned try of her own, using slick footwork to step her way over for the Warriors' sixth and final try.

Unable to hold the doggies to zilch, Alexis Tauaneai was able to score under the sticks finding open space with 10 minutes left of the match, and having the last say of the match through their centre Monica Tagoai on fulltime.

After claiming their first win at FMG Stadium, the Wahs women will travel to Australia where they will play Canberra Raiders at GIO Stadium, on Saturday 11 July. Kick-off 6.30pm (NZT).

For more information on the 2026 NRLW competition click here.