Almanac Rugby League: NRLW 2021 Round 1 – Broncos set the standard

 

There was plenty to like about Round 1 of the 2021 NRLW competition after Sunday’s triple header at Newcastle.  Although there were signs of early season rust in the teams’ combinations, there was no lack of endeavour, determination and physicality in any of the games.

 

In the opener, the Dragons built their game on sound kicking and good, structured play. The Titans took quite some time to settle into the match and the scoreline of 14-0 to the Dragons early in the second half reflected the run of play. A try each to wingers Teagan Berry and Madison Bartlett, followed by another to Berry early in the second half, put the game out of reach for the girls from the Gold Coast. To their credit, the Titans came back strongly in the last 15 minutes to get back to 12-14 before a late error saw possession go to the Dragons who scored the sealer. Overall the game was a tad scrappy but the Dragons will be happy to start the season with a win.

 

The defending premiers, the Brisbane Broncos, were in control of their match against the Roosters from the start before going on to a 20-4 win. Their dominant forwards were strong, mobile and creative with Chelsea Lenarduzzi (she played a blinder!) and Millie Boyle (relentless) most impressive with their powerful running and deft offloads. With the likes of Amber Hall, Tallish Harden and Roxette Murdoch supporting these two in both attack and defence, future opponents will need to work out how to contain and get over the top of this pack. Emily Bass bagged two tries in a solid debut while Tamika Upton provided the highlight of the day with a jinking, swerving run out of nothing to send a surprisingly fast Boyle off to the try line untouched. The Roosters were far from disgraced and showed real grit and perseverance in defence without which the final score might have been a blowout. Jess Sergis and Isabelle Kelly were restricted by limited service but showed their speed and attacking flair on the rare occasions the ball came their way.

 

The battle of the newcomers, the Eels v the Knights, was a thriller with the result in doubt until the final seconds. The Knights were in front early through Romy Teitzel before the Eels hit back through good play by Bo Vette-Welsh who put Tiana Penitani (a rising star) over for a good try and a 6-6 halftime scoreline. The Knights went ahead again courtesy of a strong surge by Phoebe Desmond before the Eels replied through the experienced Simaima Taufa with 15 minutes to play. Both sides created opportunities but could not make the crucial final play. A spirited game came down to a last minute clutch play by the experienced Maddie Studdon who feinted to her left before straightening to kick the winning field goal, the first in NRLW competition. Eels 13-12.

 

Player of the week: Chelsea Lenarduzzi (Broncos). Chelsea is all hustle and bustle, strength and enthusiasm. She’s learning quickly, sensing the right moments to do the right things, and has developed a good off-load. She has the potential to become one of the best forwards in the competition. Her pairing with Millie Boyle is top notch.

 

To read a Round 1 wrap from nrl.com click here.

 

I think it was Paul Kent from The Courier Mail/Sunday Mail who raised the spectre of NRL-style wrestling in the tackle rearing its ugly head in the women’s game. I fear he may have a point as there did seem to be less speed/urgency in the play-the-ball, a key feature of previous seasons. Let’s hope the referees stamp this out sooner rather than later.

 

Round 2 this weekend features another triple header at WIN Stadium in Wollongong. First up the Broncos face the Knights, then the Roosters meet the Titans before the Dragons play the Eels, possibly the highlight of the three clashes. Going on last weekend’s form, I’ll go with the Broncos (too big, too fast, too strong as the old adage says), the Roosters (too talented to lose two on the trot) and the Eels (I just have a bit of a feeling about this squad).

 

To see team line-ups and match details for Round 2 click here.

 

Keep an eye out for tickets to the NRLW Grand Final at Redcliffe on April 10.

 

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Our writers are independent contributors. The opinions expressed in their articles are their own. They are not the views, nor do they reflect the views, of Malarkey Publications.

 

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