Cowboys and Tigers launch NRLW Saturday

20 min: The Cowboys launch a long kick from their own side of halfway, the Tigers get a cruel bounce, Francesca Goldthorp chases through and gathers the ball to score but replays show a number of chasers were in front of the kicker. The 'try' is ruled out. Tigers 6-0

18 min: The Cowboys have had 66 per cent of possession and can't turn it into points as the ball is spilled again.

16 min: Emily Bass and Caitlin Turnbull get in a tangle under a high ball and Bass spills it. Cowboys inside the red zone again.

14 min: A line break for Holli Wheeler who is dragged down 10 metres out and loses the ball. The Tigers challenge the call and claim a strip. The bunker rules there was no strip. Challenge unsuccessful.

13 min: Emma Manzelmann tries to scoop the ball up one-handed at dummy half but she loses control.

11 min: Lydia Turua-Quedley goes to the boot but the grubber is too strong and the Tigers come away with a seven-tackle set but they are penalised early in the set for obstruction and the opportunity is lost.

10 min: Shenae Lendill is placed on report for a hip drop on Tayla Curtis and the penalty has the Cowboys inside the red zone.

9 min: The Cowboys are caught on the last through Tayla Curtis and the ball is turned over.

7 min: The kick-off is allowed to bounce by the Tigers and the ball goes dead. Tigers dropout.

6 min: Faythe Manera takes a pass from 10 metres out and throws a big dummy before slicing through two defenders to open the scoring. Raecene McGregor converts. Tigers 6-0

5 min: A powerful run down the left wing by Lily Rogan and she earns a penalty as the Cowboys defender hold her down for too long.

Kick-off: And we're underway in Townsville on a glorious Saturday afternoon with the temperature sitting on 24 degrees.

Late Mail

Cowboys: Margot Vella has been moved from wing to fullback on game day with Tallara Bamblett going to the bench. Francesca Goldthorp moves to the wing, Abigail Roach into the centres and Lydia Turua-Quedley comes off the bench to play five-eighth. Prop Essay Banu goes to the bench and Tayla Curtis starts the game. Dual international Haylee Hifo makes her NRLW debut on the wing in place of Sian Williams, who has entered the NRL’s concussion protocol. Hifo, 23, has represented Tonga in rugby league and rugby union. 

Wests Tigers: No further changes on game day after Faythe Manera came into starting line-up at five-eighth in No.16 on Friday to replace Losana Lutu (shoulder). Brooke Talataina and Harmony Crichton joined the interchange bench. Star recruit Raecene McGregor will play her 50th career game as the Tigers chase back-to-back wins for the first time since Round 8-9 in 2024.

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