During her debut in the NRLW, Kerri Johnson made a significant impact by scoring two tries, leading the Brisbane Broncos to a commanding 28-4 victory over the Wests Tigers on Saturday. The Tigers briefly equalised in the 24th minute through Caitlin Turnbull, who also marked her debut with a try. However, the Broncos quickly regained control, answering with five consecutive tries to secure the win.
Queensland State of Origin star Tamika Upton was instrumental in setting up Johnson’s first try, showcasing her skill with a break from halfway. Demonstrating an exceptional burst of speed and agility, Upton sliced through the Tigers’ defence before passing the ball to Johnson, who finished the play with a sprint to the try line. Former teammate Millie Elliott noted Upton’s finesse during the Nine broadcast, remarking on her ability to evade defenders.
Late in the match, with Brisbane leading 18-4, Mele Hufanga extended the scoreline by powering through the opposition after a clever chip kick from Jada Ferguson. Despite a strong performance from Hufanga, she faced stiff resistance earlier in the second half as Tigers defenders Losana Lutu and Kezie Apps executed remarkable goal-line stops, preventing her from scoring. Rugby league legend Allana Ferguson praised their defensive efforts during the match, highlighting the impressive nature of their tackles.
Following these defensive stands, Hufanga’s relentless pursuit of a try drew another stellar defensive response from Turnbull and Evie McGrath, demonstrating the Tigers’ resilience despite the eventual loss. The intensity of the game was noted, with commentators on Nine expressing admiration for the Tigers’ ability to thwart Hufanga, who is known for her strength and speed.
Looking ahead, the Wests Tigers and Bulldogs are set to kick off round two in Campbelltown, while the Broncos will take on the Titans on the Gold Coast in the following week. This match exemplified early season excitement as Brisbane showcased their strength and depth, with newcomers like Johnson making an immediate impact on the field.