Roosters Launch 2026 NRLW Season with Dominant Win

The Sydney Roosters have made a resounding statement to begin the 2026 NRLW season, decisively defeating the Gold Coast Titans 34-10 in their first match.

After suffering a loss in last year's grand final, ending an 18-game winning streak, the Roosters wasted no time re-establishing their dominance. The Titans, bolstered by new signings and expected to challenge the top teams, were comprehensively outplayed.

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After winning 18 straight games only to lose to the Broncos in last year's NRLW grand final, the Roosters have wasted no time getting back to their winning ways to start 2026.

A significant boost for the Roosters was the return of superstar halfback Tarryn Aiken, who had been sidelined with an ACL injury sustained in the final game of the 2025 regular season. Aiken marked her comeback with a try and an assist, seamlessly slotting back into the team's structure.

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Aiken tore her ACL in the last regular season game of 2025 and missed the finals and this year's State of Origin series, but slotted back into the Roosters' line-up and nabbed herself a try and an assist in her return.

Other standout performers for the Roosters included gun forward Olivia Kernick, who ran for an impressive 185 meters, with 85 meters gained after contact. Fullback Corban Baxter, back after missing most of last season, contributed significantly with three try assists. For the Titans, new signing Teagan Levi showed flashes of her potential.

In other NRLW action, the Canberra Raiders staged a late comeback in the first half to lead the St. George Illawarra Dragons 10-4 at halftime. The day's schedule also included men's NRL games, featuring the Dragons against the Tigers and the Broncos facing the Sharks.

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Also influential was gun forward Olivia Kernick, who ran for 185 metres, 85 coming after contact, and fullback Corban Baxter, who missed most of last season but is back in full swing with three try assists in the number one.