Warriors beat North Queensland as Ivana Lauitiiti scores try in NRLW debut

Ivana Lauitiiti has made a statement in her NRLW debut, scoring a try and producing some big tackles to inspire the New Zealand Warriors to a 12-6 win over North Queensland during their Magic Round clash.

The teenager daughter of Warriors legend Ali Lauitiiti ran for over 100m in just 24 minutes on the field, while making nine tackles and scoring the side’s first try moments after coming on.

Lauitiiti, who turned 19 on Saturday, was only a late inclusion in the side after Felila Kia was ruled out through injury, but her efforts would have caught the eye of coach Ronald Griffiths.

Tyra Wetere also made her NRLW debut on the wing, even though she’s never played that position and is a specialist halfback.

Both players earned high praise from Griffiths.

“When you watch Ivana at training and she’s just powerful and that’s how she runs at training,” Griffiths said.

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“Tyra’s not a winger and she just went out there and acquitted herself extremely well. Her defensive movement and being able to lock on different times was really good.”

Captain Apii Nicholls did leave the field after sustaining a head knock late in the second half, but did pass the head injury assessment (HIA) test.

The Cowboys opened the scoring through Rosie Kelley after nine minutes, but that appeared to give the Warriors more fight.

Lauitiiti’s try levelled the match before a penalty goal just before halftime saw the Warriors go into the break leading 8-6.

Payton Takimoana’s second-half try, her fifth of the season, turned out to be the match-winner.

“It was a really brave performance and I’m proud of the effort that the team have put in,” Griffiths said.

Despite the win, the Warriors remain 10th. They will face the Bulldogs next Saturday in Sydney.

Ben Francisis an Auckland-based reporter for the New Zealand Herald who covers breaking sports news.