NSW, Victoria shine on Day 1 of 2023 National Championships

NSW City fullback Sienna Williams scored the first try of the 2023 Harvey Norman Women's National Championships to give her side an early lead in the opening match of this year's tournament. 

In a dominant overall display, the NSW team extended their 10-0 advantage at halftime to a 24-4 win, with winger Debbie Doueihi crossing for a double. Queensland's lone try came from tournament player to watch Libby Surha.

NSW Emerging Country v Western Australia 

A successful conversion just after the fulltime siren from Ebony Oakley saw NSW Emerging Country claim a win against a spirited Western Australia in Thursday's second match.

The team from the west started well, scoring the opening two tries to Te Rauhina Wall and Turiti Galiki-Koiatu to go into the halftime break with a 12-0 lead. 

However, the NSW side fought back in the second half to keep their opposition scoreless, but crossed for three tries of their own, eventually claiming the 14-12 victory.

Queensland Rubys v NSW Country 

Last year's defending title holders the Queensland Rubys put in a dominant performance in their opening match of this year's tournament, scoring a 14-0 win against NSW Country.

Five-eighth Matisse Bettridge scored a double, while her halves partner Chantay Kiria-Ratu in fine form throughout. Contracted to the Titans for the upcoming NRLW season, Kiria-Ratu has recently come off a Rugby League World Cup campaign with Cook Islands. 

Ahi Ka Aotearoa v First Nations Gems 

The First Nations Gems performed a special smoking ceremony before their historic match against New Zealand's Ahi Ka Aotearoa team, welcoming them to this year's tournament. 

On the field, the Gems proved too strong for the newcomers, with two first-half tries giving them a 10-4 lead at the break. Their six-point margin remained at fulltime, despite an exciting end to the second half where the Aotearoa team made a break down field and threatened to steal a late win. However, the Gems defence was able to hold on to start their tournament on a winning note. 

Conversions were hard to come by in the match, with Gems winger Baylee Davies the only successful kicker, despite five tries being scored in the match. 

Northern Territory v Australian Defence Force 

A strong second half from Northern Territory guided them to a 14-0 win against the Australian Defence Force team to open their 2023 account in style. 

However, the ADF team showed great defensive spirit throughout, keeping the opposition to 4-0 at halftime, before letting them break away in the second.

Territory centre Latoniya Norris looked to be a handful around the edges, while centre Nanise Vakacavu got a big cheer for the hearty band of NT supporters when she crossed for the opening try of the match. 

South Australia v Victoria 

Victoria ran in seven tries to nil against South Australia to produce the biggest winning margin of the day in their 32-0 victory.

Winger Alesha Willcox crossed for both the opening and the closing tries of the match, while halfback Kate Eldridge bagged a personal points tally of eight after scoring a try and kicking two conversions.

The Victorian side were too strong from the get-to, with Willcox's try coming in third minute of the match, with SA unable to hold back the well-drilled side.

Match Review: There were no charges from the match review committee following Round 1 of the Harvey Norman Women's National Championships.

The Harvey Norman Women’s National Championship is proudly supported by Major Events Gold Coast. NRL.com will live stream the event across all four days.