The NRLW season has reached a critical juncture, with the fight for finals positions intensifying. One of the teams feeling the pressure is the New Zealand Warriors, who have struggled in recent matches.
The Warriors faced a crushing defeat against the Sydney Roosters, losing 66-8, which was followed by another loss to St George Illawarra. These results have significantly impacted their standings, pushing them out of the top six.
While some critics are questioning the team's trajectory, star winger Tysha Ikenasio remains optimistic. She emphasizes the importance of using the loss to the Roosters as motivation for improvement.
"We're still at a building stage. We've only been in the comp two years," Ikenasio told AAP as her team prepares for a crucial match against Cronulla. "When I look at that [Roosters], it inspires me as a player and as a person, but also the club. That's where we can be."
Another contender for a finals spot, Canterbury, is currently on a three-game losing streak. Halfback Tayla Preston is confident that the Bulldogs' best performance is still ahead of them and insists they have matured since their inaugural season.
Canterbury must secure victories against Newcastle and the Roosters to remain in contention for the finals. "We've grown so much as a team from last year," Preston stated, indicating a strong desire to showcase their potential.
Meanwhile, Canberra is close to securing a finals berth, needing just one win. Lock Simaima Taufa stressed the importance of leaving a legacy for future players, particularly before their match against Parramatta, where she previously played.
The upcoming fixtures will be pivotal for all teams involved, with the Roosters aiming to maintain their undefeated status against North Queensland and the Dragons facing Brisbane in a crucial matchup.