NRLW Match Report: A Second Half Surge To Remember Despite Falling Short

The 2025 rookie side trailed 32-0 at halftime, but restored some pride in the second half before going down 42-22. They will no doubt take plenty of learnings from the outing as they look to bounce back in Round 5 when they face the Gold Coast Titans at Newcastle.

Despite the final result, debutant Elizabeth MacGregor brought a small but vocal crowd alive in her maiden outing, making a 60-metre break from her own end with her first touch. The youngster showed plenty of promise for the future, looking comfortable amongst the competition leaders.

It will be a debut to remember, with her on the receiving end of a well-placed two-player cut-out pass from Ashleigh Quinlan to score the Bulldogs' first try before later making it a double.

The rookie winger added her double when Quinlan expertly held up the ball to hold off an intercept attempt and create space in the 50th minute to set up the Blue and White's second.

Tayla Preston added the two points on MacGregor's first to make it 32-6 with twenty-two minutes remaining, but later missed the hard kick from out wide for the second conversion attempt.

The Roosters continued to add some additional points in the second half despite a valiant effort by the Bulldogs to stay in the fight and win the second half 22 points to the Roosters 10.

Fullback Andie Robinson displayed great defensive prowess under extreme pressure on the edges thanks to a raging Isabelle Kelly and Jess Sergis. She was taken off for a HIA in the 26th minute, but passed the assessment and played out the second half.

In other notable moments, the Bulldogs demonstrated their trademark grit in two 'never-say die' efforts with mere minutes left on the clock to add twelve points and close the gap to 42-22.

Powerhouse centre Monica Tagoai ran in for the Bulldogs at the 65th minute mark, fending off and beating six Rooters to score from 22metres out and make it 42-14. Preston added the two (42-16).

A mere minute later, Quinlan charged across to make it 42-20 after Robinson broke into the clear and drew Parker before icing the pass to Quinlan to score. Roosters 42, Bulldogs 22. 

Preston again converted to make it a final score of 42-22.

The match marked Canterbury's first ever match to be played at Allianz Stadium, with the NRL squad set to take the same field tomorrow against Manly.