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‘Tit for tat’: Warriors drop out of NRLW top six with last minute loss
Sport Nation • August 31st, 2026 3:00 pm
Jayme Millard (Dragons) scores | Photo: Brett Phibbs/Photosport
The Warriors have slipped out of the NRLW’s top six after suffering a costly 22-18 defeat to the last-placed Dragons, just one week after making unwanted history with the competition’s biggest-ever loss.
The Warriors showed more fight than they did in Round 8's heavy defeat but could not hold on to the win they needed to remain in the finals picture, with the playoffs now just two weeks away.
With the wāhine leading 18-14 with just three minutes to go, the Dragons levelled the scores before scoring again on full-time to secure the victory.
“I just felt that it was going to go tit for tat,” coach Ron Griffiths said.
After conceding 66 points to the Roosters last week, Griffiths acknowledged the improvement in his side’s effort.
“From our perspective we were certainly different to last week.”
The Warriors now face a crucial home clash with the Sharks, who have since dropped to last place, before travelling to face reigning premiers the Broncos in their final regular-season game.
Captain and fullback Apii Nicholls is expected to return for the finals, should the Warriors qualify, while there is still no confirmation on when Emmanita Paki, Payton Takimoana, Christabelle Onesemo-Tuilaepa and Laishon Albert-Jones will be available.
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