Takimoana Makes History Despite Warriors’ Loss to Knights

Winger Payton Takimoana made history as the first NZ Warriors woman to score a hat-trick of tries, but her remarkable performance was not enough to secure victory against the formidable Newcastle Knights. The Warriors fell 36-20 in a match held on March 15, 2024, at the McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle. This game marked the return of Warriors coach Ron Griffiths, who previously led the Knights to back-to-back NRLW championships during his three-year tenure.

Newcastle dominated the early stages, showcasing their strength with an early penalty and a line dropout from their first set. Despite the pressure, the Warriors managed to hold their ground. Five-eighth Patricia Maliepo created opportunities with clever kicks that trapped the Knights in their own territory, but the Warriors could not capitalize on these chances.

The Knights drew first blood when lock Tayla Romaniuk scored after bouncing off four defenders. They quickly doubled their lead as five-eighth Georgia Roche sliced through the Warriors’ defense, setting up captain Yasmin Clydsdale for a second try. The momentum continued to swing in Newcastle’s favor with debutant winger Tess Staines scoring her first try, celebrated enthusiastically by her teammates during their ‘Try July’ festivities.

The Warriors struggled to find rhythm. Despite a promising attack initiated by Maliepo, who carried the ball into touch near the goal-line, a mishandled pass from captain Apii Nicholls thwarted their progress. The game’s intensity increased as the Knights maintained their lead, with Jesse Southwell threading a kick through the Warriors’ defense that was finished by Tenika Willison.

The Warriors finally put points on the board before halftime after winning a midfield penalty. Maliepo’s quick thinking allowed Takimoana to score in the corner, bringing the score to 24-6 after Maliepo successfully converted from the sideline.

The second half began with the Warriors gaining a chance to reduce the deficit when halfback Emily Curtain was fouled late after kicking the ball. Takimoana capitalized on the ensuing penalty, scoring her second try. Her follow-up conversion, however, hit the crossbar and rebounded out.

Despite a resurgence in momentum, Newcastle quickly restored their dominance. Jules Kirkpatrick added another try near the posts, followed by Evah McKewen crossing the line with an assist from Southwell, leaving the Warriors battling for pride.

The Warriors mounted a final push, achieving a repeat set when Maliepo’s kick was knocked on near the try line. Nicholls found Takimoana again, allowing her to complete her hat-trick with a well-placed kick. Maliepo successfully converted once more from the sideline.

In the closing moments, Brake made her mark, scoring in the other corner despite questions about whether she maintained control of the ball during the grounding.

The NZ Warriors will look to regroup as they prepare for a home match against the Gold Coast Titans next Saturday, facing a quick turnaround in their NRLW campaign.