Broncos fire warning shot ahead of NRLW opener
THE Broncos women’s team has fired a warning shot ahead of the first NRLW season, after new halves pairing Ali Brigginshaw and Kimiora Nati proved lethal in the side’s first match.
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THE Broncos women’s team has fired a warning shot ahead of the first NRLW season, after new halves pairing Ali Brigginshaw and Kimiora Nati proved lethal in the side’s first match.
Nearly 10,000 people watched on Sunday as the NRLW team made history with a 48-14 trial victory over the PNG Orchids at Suncorp Stadium.
It was the first time the squad of 22 donned its Broncos jerseys, ahead of the start of the women’s premiership next week.
The signs were good for Brisbane in their 60-minute clash, with coach Paul Dyer testing out several combinations.
One combination that will not need to prove itself for selection next week is that of Australian Jillaroos star Brigginshaw and Kiwi Ferns playmaker Nati.
While they have both excelled at the top levels in their respective countries, the duo had never played together until Sunday.
Already it was clear the Broncos could be a big threat this season given how natural the combination was.
Nati’s Kiwi and Broncos teammate Teuila Fotu-Moala said it was about time the 30-year-old was recognised for her talent.
Fotu-Moala could not wait to see what Nati and Brisbane skipper Brigginshaw could produce for the historic season.
“In my opinion, she’s the most underrated half in the world,” Fotu-Moala said of Nati.
‘‘She’s been underrated for years, Kimiora.
‘‘It’s awesome to see she’s finally getting a pedestal.
“Her and Ali are the best halves in the world and having that combo here at the Broncos, it’s something for other teams to watch out for. In that first week of training, their combos were looking so pretty.
‘‘You just want to stand there and watch them work together.
‘‘They don’t talk much but the way they play, they just read off each other.”
The pair played a hand in tries to Amelia Kuk, Steph Hancock and Chelsea Baker before Brigginshaw was rested in the second half.
BRISBANE BRONCOS 48 (C Baker 2, A Kuk 2, S Hancock, J Robinson, M Ward, L Gould, Teuila Fotu-Moala tries; C Baker 4, M Ward 2 goals) d PNG ORCHIDS 14 (N Kaupa, R Rambi, E Albert tries; R Jack Kapo 1 goal)
Originally published as Broncos fire warning shot ahead of NRLW opener