In a remarkable start to their NRLW journey, the Bulldogs delivered a stunning offensive performance, triumphing over the Knights at Accor Stadium. The match showcased the talents of the club’s marquee signings, with Moana Courtenay and Ashleigh Quinlan each scoring two tries, propelling their team to a victorious debut.
Despite fielding six debutants, the Bulldogs exhibited a resilient mindset, undeterred by the experience of their seasoned rivals, who have previously secured two premierships. The contest opened with a fierce exchange of attacks, leading to a scoreless first ten minutes, until the brilliance of Courtenay broke the deadlock. She skillfully eluded two defenders to score in the corner, though Tayla Preston’s conversion attempt fell short.
Bulldogs’ Andie Robinson made an impressive 65-metre dash, setting up the next try as Quinlan deftly navigated the defence to touch down. After a review by referee Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski confirmed Quinlan’s grounding under considerable defensive pressure, the Bulldogs secured four more points. Commentator Allana Ferguson noted the Bulldogs’ dismantling of Newcastle’s defence, highlighting their surprising performance after a long hiatus from competitive play.
While the Bulldogs faced an initial setback in the second half, co-captain Angelina Teakaraanga-Katoa swiftly corrected this by scoring under the posts. In contrast, the Knights struggled with dropped balls and errors, faltering under the Bulldogs’ relentless offensive pressure. Courtenay added her second try in the 52nd minute, although Botille Vette-Welsh responded with a try for the Knights. However, it was Quinlan’s second try that clinched the match for the Bulldogs, finalising the score at 26-12.
Reflecting on the match, Robinson expressed pride in her team’s achievements. She acknowledged her personal journey back to the sport after an ACL injury, stating that her time away fuelled her motivation and fire for the game. “It was a long time out [of the game for me]. I think it put a little bit of extra fire in my belly. To be amongst the girls… it was really great to be back out there,” she remarked.
The Bulldogs’ successful debut sets a promising tone for their NRLW campaign, showcasing the strength and determination of both new and returning players.