Shanthie Lui began her NRLW career with Canterbury-Bankstown's opening carry, earning a loud reaction from the Bulldogs bench.
The 19-year-old fullback helped inspire an energetic start, as Canterbury dominated the first 10 minutes against an undefeated Sydney Roosters team.
Despite being heavy outsiders, the Bulldogs led 12-10 at halftime after tries to Monica Tagoai and Andie Robinson.
Tayla Preston converted both scores, while Simina Lokotui had an apparent try overturned after video review showed her foot touched the sideline.
The Roosters had opened the scoring through Otesa Pule and Jess Sergis, with Jocelyn Kelleher converting Pule's try and making it 10-0.
Canterbury maintained its defensive intensity early in the second half, but Tagoai was sin-binned for a tackle ruled to be a hip-drop.
The Bulldogs resisted for five minutes with 12 players before Sydney broke through three times in succession.
Millie Elliott, Taina Naividi and Pule scored during that spell, moving the Roosters 26-12 ahead.
Mia Wood, Sergis and Kelleher added further tries as Sydney secured a 42-12 victory.
The Roosters finished with tries from Pule, Sergis, Elliott, Naividi, Wood and Kelleher, who kicked four goals from seven attempts.
Tagoai and Robinson scored for Canterbury, while Preston converted both Bulldogs tries.