Stars, standouts of NSW Waratahs v Queensland Reds women's trial in Roma

Their captain spilt blood and their newest recruit broke hearts as the NSW Waratahs tackled rugby rivals, the Queensland Reds, in an intense battle in Roma. Stars, standouts and result wrap

The Waratahs dominated their battle with the Reds. Pictures: Supplied.

Their captain spilt blood and their newest recruit broke hearts as the NSW Waratahs sounded an early season warning they mean business in 2024 after missing the grand final last season for the first time.

The Waratahs stamped their authority over the Reds from the start, running in four great tries in the first half, including two rippers down the right hand side.

But fatigue crept into the games of both sides in a defensive second half, with Desiree Miller the only player to add to the scoreboard.

Former Reds star Annabelle Cody led by example, scoring her first try for the Waratahs in the opening 12 minutes of the Santos Festival of Rugby game in Queensland late Saturday.

Jacinta Windsor followed suit down the right hand side just minutes later to help the Tahs to an early 12-0 jump after Miller nailed her first kick but missed the second.

The Waratahs dominated their battle with the Reds. Pictures: Supplied.

Britt Merlo was unlucky not to score soon after when rolled out by the Reds on the line.

Captain Georgina Friedrichs then shook off four Reds defenders - suffering a gash which required on-field treatment - to score the Tahs third with fellow Wallaroo Layne Morgan then flying down the right for their fourth before half time.

It was a different story in a defensive second half with both sides scoreless until Miller went over around the 70th minute to put the tags ahead 29-0.

With numerous senior players still out injured, new coach Michael Ruthven used the opportunity to blood a number of new faces.

Youngster Waiaria Ellis, his youngest squad member at just 16,hit the pitch and impressed as did fellow teenager Ruby Anderson.

There was bad news for the Reds with Alana Elisaia handed a red card late in the match for a head high.

Originally published as Stars, standouts of NSW Waratahs v Queensland Reds women's trial in Roma