LeagueNews.co | Robbie Hamilton
The NZ Warriors are set to face a challenging match against North Queensland during the Magic Round in Newcastle today, with a kick-off time of 11:50 am local time (1:50 pm NZT). The team will feature two teenagers making their NRLW debuts: Tyra Wetere and Ivana Lauitiiti, while Michaela Brake is absent due to personal reasons.
Wetere, at 19, steps in for Brake, while Lauitiiti, aged 18 and the daughter of the renowned Ali Lauitiiti, joins the bench. North Queensland is expected to be a tough opponent, especially given the adverse weather conditions impacting storm-ravaged New South Wales.
The Warriors aim to bounce back after suffering consecutive losses against Newcastle and Gold Coast, while the Cowboys recently achieved a 26-0 victory over the Raiders. Despite losing 10-20 to the Titans in their last home game in New Zealand, the Warriors displayed promising moments in their fourth match back in the competition.
Winger Payton Takimoana is emerging as a standout, having scored her fifth try in four games, placing her second in the try-scoring rankings.