As it happened: Tigers break drought; Roosters, Cowboys salute

Dibb delivers: Cowboys playmaker Kirra Dibb orchestrated her team's victory with a classy kicking game that included a 40-30. She also came up with a try assist, a line break assist and a line break to go with a try in a composed display.

Full-time: Jakiya Whitfeld (207 run metres), Fran Goldthorp (218 metres) and Bree Chester (172 metres and 43 tackles) were all superb for the Cowboys while Bulldogs fullback Andie Robinson racked up 195 run metres.

67 min: Kirra Dibb goes to the air on the last tackle but the ball sails out on the full.

63 min: Fran Goldthorp busts the line from 60 metres out and beats several defenders on her way to the line but Holli Wheeler refuses to give up the chase and manages to dislodge the ball with a final desperate lunge. 

60 min: A touch of class from Kirra Dibb as she goes to the line and draws in two defenders before slipping an offload to Jasmine Peters who crashes over for the Cowboys' fourth try of the night. Cowboys 22-6.

55 min: A slick left side raid by the Cowboys and Andie Robinson comes up with another trysaver on Krystal Blackwell as the Dogs hang tough despite having only 45 per cent of possession.

51 min: On the back of a slashing run by Shaniece Monschau the Bulldogs break through for their first try as Moana Courtenay takes the final pass and crashes over on the right edge. Tayla Preston converts. Cowboys 18-6.

49 min: Monica Tagoai goes from dummy half on the last play but the Cowboys are awake to the play and keep her at bay.

48 min: Krystal Blackwell finds space on the left edge and heads for the line but Andie Robinson comes across with a superb cover tackle and drives her into touch.

45 min: The Cowboys' big guns combine with Tahlulah Tillett expertly grubbering into the in goal and Jakiyah Whitfeld steaming through to collect the bouncing ball and score. Kirra Dibb converts. Cowboys 18-0.

44 min: Kyrstal Blackwell heads for the corner and gets a pass back inside which is knocked down by the Bulldogs so the Cowboys get to reload.

41 min: A solid set by the Cowboys finishes just metres out from the Bulldogs line as Andie Robinson covers up a grubber kick.

Half-time: The Cowboys completed 17 of 20 sets at 85 per cent while the Bulldogs could manage only 11 of 18 sets at 61 per cent. Fullback Jakiya Whitfeld (11 runs for 110 metres) and lock Bree Chester (11 runs for 111 metres) led the way for the home side. Bulldogs fullback Andie Robinson ran for 123 metres and broke two tackles.

35 min: The Bulldogs pound the line for three consecutive sets but the Cowboys hang tough with Fran Goldthorp taking Elizabeth McGregor into touch in the left-hand corner as the Cowboys keep a clean sheet.

32 min: Kirra Dibb kicks long and Simina Lokotui shows great patience to let it roll dead and the Bulldogs come away with a seven-tackle set.

29 min: Bulldogs five-eighth Ash Quinlan leaves the field with an arm injury.

26 min: Moana Courtenay powers towards the corner but Jakiya Whitfeld comes across with a classic cover tackle to force the Bulldogs centre into touch. 

23 min: Hailee-Jay Ormond-Maunsell gets over the line but the Bullodgs scramble to hold her up.

22 min: The Cowboys go to the air and Andie Robinson can't control the catch so the home get another shot at points.

19 min: Lily Peacock powers over the top of Anneka Wilson and drags Hollie Wheeler to the line to post the Cowboys' second try. Kirra Dibb converts from right in front. Cowboys 12-0.

15 min: Kirra Dibb opens the scoring when she goes to the line and dummies her way past Tayla Preston and stretches out to slam the ball down. Dibb converts her own try. Cowboys 6-0.

12 min: Jakiya Whitfeld scrambles her way to the tryline but the referee sends it upstairs as a double movement. The bunker supports the referee's call and Whitfeld is denied.

10 min: Kirra Dibb comes up with a big play with a 40-30 to put the Cowboys in great attacking position.

8 min: The Bulldogs again go on the attack but Andie Robinson comes up with her side's third error and the opportunity is lost.

6 min: Monica Tagoai is taken down near the goal line but passes after the held call and is penalised.

4 min: Another mistake by the Bulldogs this time through Shaniece Monschau as both sides struggle for ball control early.

2 min: A mistake by Hope Millard gives the Cowboys a shot but the home side return the favour with a dropped ball by Hailee-Jay Ormond-Maunsell.

Late Mail

Cowboys: Makenzie Weale dropped out of the team on Saturday with Essay Banu moving into the starting side. Tafao Asaua comes on to the bench for her first NRLW match of the season as a result. China Polata is 18th player after making a successful return from a knee injury in the BMD Premiership last week.

Bulldogs: No further changes on game day after Tayla Preston came into the side on Saturday. The halfback injured her knee last weekend, but scans cleared her of a serious injury. Anneka Wilson shifts back to hooker as a result, with Ebony Prior reverting to the bench. Shaquaylah Mahakitau-Monschau goes to 18th player. Ash Quinlan has been selected at five-eighth and is set to play despite navigating a hamstring concern. 

 

Roosters v Knights at Polytec Stadium

Tarryn at the double: Roosters playmaker Tarryn Aiken was at her elusive best with two tries, 76 run metres, a try assist and two line break assists. 

Full-time: The Roosters ensure Isabelle Kelly and Keeley Davis will celebrate their 50th game in style with a convincing 30-14 victory. Kelly had 16 runs for 156 metres while Davis worked the house down with 38 tackles. Kelly's centre partner Jess Sergis came up with 133 run metres and seven tackle breaks in another powerhouse display.

65 min: Olivia Kernick takes the ball 10 metres out and shows all her class to bust through two defenders and dot down under the posts to ensure the Roosters will remain unbeaten after seven rounds. Jocelyn Kelleher converts. Roosters 30-14.

63 min: Knights winger Sheridan Gallagher comes up with an error in the ruck and the Roosters get a chance to put the game to bed.

58 min: The Knights hit back through left winger Tess Staines after Jesse Southwell, Georgia Roche, Yasmin Clydsdale and Tenika Willison all handle on the inside and the flyer finishes it off. Roosters 24-14.

49 min: The Knights make a mess of the kick-off and the Roosters make them pay when a Jocelyn Kelleher grubber bounces around and is pounced on by Tarryn Aiken. Knights skipper Yasmin Clydsdale is adamant she was taken out as she tried to clean up the kick but the bunker confirms the try. Roosters 24-10.

47 min: Georgia Roche comes up with a big left-foot step to bamboozle the Roosters' defence and grab her first try since Round 1. Jesse Southwell fails to convert. Roosters 18-10.

45 min: Tarryn Aiken goes to the line and pushes through Evah McEwen's tackle to stretch the Roosters' lead. Jocelyn Kelleher converts. Roosters 18-6.

41 min: Strong Knights defence forces an error from Olivia Kernick but the Knights can't cash in as Jesse Southwell's cross field kick is cleaned up by Mia Wood.

38 min: The Knights launch a captain's challenge after Sienna Yeo loses the ball in a tackle. The bunker rules there was no stripping action by the Roosters and the challenge is lost.

Half-time: The Roosters rack up 684 run metres to the Knights' 491 and take a six-point lead to the sheds. Outside backs Jess Sergis, Isabelle Kelly and Brydie Parker combine for 25 runs and 248 metres.

35 min: Roosters fullback Corban Baxter leaves the field with a leg injury after she was bent over awkwardly in a tackle. She is ruled out for the rest of the match. 

32 min: Jules Kirkpatrick darts out of dummy half and shows great strength to get the ball down despite two Roosters trying to hold her up. Jesse Southwell converts. Roosters 12-6.

31 min: Jesse Southwell's grubber is collected by Corban Baxter who is forced back in goal by a strong tackle from Sheridan Gallagher.

27 min: The Roosters strike again when Amber Hall delivers a short ball to Jocelyn Kelleher who goes long to Brydie Parker and the winger shows great speed and footwork to cut back inside and score. Kelleher converts. Roosters 12-0.

26 min: Jesse Southwell tries to get a kick through the line but it rebounds off the Roosters who are ruled not to have played at the ball.

21 min: Jesse Southwell kicks too deep and the Roosters come away with a seven-tackle set from the 20m line.

15 min: Jayme Fressard comes into the game off the bench in her return from an elbow injury.

14 min: The Roosters lose their captain's challenge after Jasmin Strange is penalised for a hand in the ruck and the bunker backs up the ref's call.

10 min: The Roosters make the Knights pay for the error when Tarryn Aiken puts a hard-running Jasmin Strange into a hole and the competition leaders have first points. Jocelyn Kelleher converts. Roosters 6-0.

10 min: A forward pass out of dummy half by Olivia Higgins puts the Knights under pressure inside the Red Zone.

9 min: The Roosters go to the air through Tarryn Aiken but Sheridan Gallagher comes up with safe take. 

Warm-up: A massive blow for the Knights with fullback Bo Vette-Welsh ruled out after suffering a knee injury during the warm-up. Sheridan Gallagher moves to fullback and Lily-Ann White comes into the side in jersey No.19.

Late Mail

Roosters: Jayme Fressard will make her return from an elbow injury suffered in Round 1, replacing Macie Carlile on the interchange bench. Isabelle Kelly and Keeley Davis will reach the milestone of 50 NRLW games, joining Ali Brigginshaw as the first players to achieve the feat. Jayde Herdegen is 18th player

Knights: The Knights are 1-17 with no late changes as they stick with the same team from last week as they chase six wins on the bounce. Joeli Morris is the 18th player.

 

Wests Tigers v Dragons at Allianz Stadium

Red V runners: The Dragons' back five of Teagan Berry, Tyra Ekepati, Indie Bostock, Keele Brown and Jayme Millard combined for 86 runs and 797 metres but in the end it wasn't enough.

Full-time: On the back of a monster game from Sarah Togatuki (18 runs for 196 metres) and a stunning 250 run metres from fullback Caitlin Turnbull the Tigers break their duck after six straight losses. Captain Kezie Apps (10 runs for 137 metres and seven tackle breaks) also stood tall.

70 min: An offside penalty against the Tigers gives the Dragons a final shot but Caitlin Turnbull covers up a kick and the Tigers have their first win of 2025.

69 min: Sarah Togatuki puts the icing on a sensational performance with a huge tackle on Teagan Berry to force an error.

68 min: Jade Fonua knocks on at dummy half as the Tigers gift the Dragons one last chance to get out of jail.

67 min: Indie Bostock loses the ball, the Dragons challenge but lose. The Tigers come away from the scrum win and receive a penalty for the Dragons being offside. 

66 min: Jade Fonua tries to power over from close range but the Dragons defenders manage to hold her up.

65 min: Great scramble defence by the Tigers to hang on as Caitlin Turnbull picks up a loose ball and comes away.

64 min: Tigers halfback Faythe Manera is placed on report for a 'chicken wing' tackle.

64 min: Dragons interchange forward Ahlivia Ingram leaves the field for a HIA.

61 min: A Kezie Apps error hands the Dragons the ball in good position but Rebecca Pollard stands tall under a high ball and the Tigers come away.

59 min: The Tigers work down field and finish their set with a grubber which is cleaned up by Indie Bostock.

55 min: The Red V start the climb back when Shenae Lendill holds off three defenders and gets an offload to youngster Tori Shipton who burrows over from close range. Raecene McGregor adds the extras. Tigers 16-12.

53 min: A mistake by Tara Reinke coming out of her own end invites the Dragons into field position to hit back.

48 min: Caitlin Turnbull goes within inches of another Tigers try but is penalised for a double movement.

47 min: Raecene McGregor goes to the boot again but this time it's too long and the Tigers get a seven-tackle set from a 20m tap.

45 min: Another pinpoint grubber from Raecene McGregor is put dead by Kezie Apps and the Dragons reload from inside the Red Zone.

Half-time: On the back of 53 per cent of possession and six more completed sets the Tigers take a handy lead to the sheds. Fullback Caitlin Turnbull had seven runs or 142 metres while skipper Kezie Apps made 99 metres and had five tackle breaks. This is just the second time this season the Tigers have led at half-time, the other being in Round 3 when they led the Titans 8-6 before going on to lose 24-12.

32 min: A mistake from Raecene McGregor as she kicks out on the full and the Tigers create space for Rebecca Pollard down the right wing but Teagan Berry comes across with a classic cover tackle to put her into touch.

29 min: Kezie Apps explodes into space and makes 50 metres before Teagan Berry drags her down in cover. Jetaya Faifua gets into dummy half and shows some fast feet to evade the defence and dive over for her second try. Emily Bass nails the conversion from wide out. Tigers 16-6.

24 min: Teagan Berry sneaks down a short side and passes to Tyra Ekepatu who puts the ball down and Caitlin Turnbull scoops it up and takes off down field.

18 min: A clever grubber from Raecene McGregor sets up a try for Zali Hopkins who chases through and beats the Tigers defenders to the ball. McGregor converts. Tigers 10-6.

16 min: The Dragons get the ball back from a dropout and Teagan Berry threatens the line but she loses the ball into a defender and the Tigers hang on.

15 min: The Dragons finally get some field position and Raecene McGregor's kick over the top is cleaned up by Tiana-Lee Thorne. 

9 min: Another left side raid and another try for the Tigers as Jetaya Faifua, Caitlin Turnbull and Lily Rogan combine to put Tiana-Lee Thorne over in the corner. Tigers 10-0.

9 min: Kasey Reh and Emily Bass are sent for a HIA after a head clash as Reh tried to bring Bass to ground. Both players pass and are able to return.

7 min: Dragons prop Hannah Southwell is placed on report and sent to the bin for a lifting tackle on Tigers debutant Portia Bourke. Southwell also undergoes an HIA while she is off the field and fails, ruling her out of the rest of the match.

6 min: The Tigers go left and Jetaya Faifua steps her way through some arm grabbing defenders to post the game's opening try. Emily Bass converts. Tigers 6-0.

5 min: Caitlin Turnbull grubbers into the in goal and the Dragons are forced to knock it dead. The Red V go long with the dropout.

Late Mail

Wests Tigers: No further game day changes after Tiana-Lee Thorne came in on the wing on Saturday as part of a shuffle which sees Portia Bourke move to the second row and Lilly Rogan start at centre. Caitlin Turnbull is set to shift from the wing to fullback. Jetaya Faifua moves to five-eighth and will partner Faythe Manera in the halves. Iemaima Etuale makes her NRLW debut off the bench. 

Dragons: The Dragons are 1-17 with no late changes. A host of key players are back on deck with fullback Teagan Berry (suspension), centre Indie Bostock (finger) and halfback Raecene McGregor (suspension) returning. Tyra Ekepati shifts to the wing, while Shenai Lendill moves from centre to second row and Ella Koster shifts to lock and Hannah Southwell to prop. Sara Sautia is 18th player.