The Warriors’ NRLW campaign is at an uncomfortable crossroads after being subjected to an unprecedented 66-8 thrashing from Sydney Roosters in Round 8 on Sunday afternoon.
The undefeated competition leaders built a 22-4 halftime advantage and completely steamrolled the hapless visitors in the second stanza, running in another eight tries.
The Roosters’ victory smashed the record for the biggest margin in an NRLW match, previously held by Cronulla Sharks for their twin 56-6 wins over Parramatta Eels in 2023 and Canberra Raiders in 2025.
It also shattered the old mark for the highest score by an NRLW team of 56 points (in 2025, Canberra Raiders put 56 on Canterbury Bulldogs and the Roosters racked up 56 against the Eels, matching the Sharks’ aforementioned tallies).
The Warriors had a paltry 35 percent possession and were obliterated in the run metres stakes (1,559 to 607), while the Roosters made 12 line-breaks to two and 44 tackle-breaks to 12.
Rare highlights for Ron Griffiths’ side came in the form of another blistering try from Stacey Waaka in the first half, while fellow centre Mele Hufanga — one of only two Warriors to make 60-plus metres — slipped through early in the second after a nice piece of deception from winger Payton Takimoana.
Halfback Patricia Maliepo made a team-high 67 metres and had a try assist, Jasmin Huriwai topped the tackle count (31) and Ivana Lautiiti’s work-rate (nine runs for 57 metres, four tackle-breaks, 25 tackles) in 38 minutes for a badly beaten side impressed.
Brydie Parker grabbed a hat-trick, while fellow Roosters winger Jayme Fressard, star centre Isabelle Kelly, hooker Keeley Nizza and lock Olivia Kernick (who ran for over 200 metres) all picked up doubles in the 12-tries-to-two demolition. Halfback Tarryn Aiken delivered five try assists.
The good news is the Warriors remain in the top six — and wins in the next two rounds against lowly St George Illawarra and Cronulla, both at Go Media Stadium, would all but wrap up a finals berth ahead of a tough final-round road trip to take on defending premier Brisbane.
Today’s massive hit to their points differential was less than ideal for the Warriors, however…not to mention the alarming defensive deficiencies the Roosters ruthlessly exposed.
NRLW — ROUND 8: Sydney Roosters 66 defeated Warriors 8 (Stacey Waaka, Mele Hufanga tries) at Allianz Stadium, Sydney.