Broncos send clear message in NRLW openers

The Broncos emerged from the opening day of the NRLW in Newcastle as the big winners, with St George Illawarra and Parramatta also claiming victories.

The Eels' win over fellow newcomers Newcastle was particularly dramatic, with Maddie Studdon slotting a last-minute field goal to clinch a 13-12 victory.

But Brisbane will remain favourites for a fourth straight title, after retaining 11 of their stars from last season while fellow foundation sides St George Illawarra and the Roosters lost players to the three new teams.

The Broncos led 20-0 after 45 minutes of their grand final rematch, with Tamika Upton and Millie Boyle starring against their arch-rivals.

Brisbane's win took their NRLW record to 12-1 since the competition's inception, with Upton putting on the play of the day when she stepped through three defenders to set up Boyle.

Boyle finished with a record 23 carries - the most of any NRLW player in history - running for 166 metres in total.

Captain Ali Brigginshaw threw a long ball for another try and rookie winger Emily Bass bagged a double.

"We don't think about (being the hunted)," Brigginshaw said.

"As soon as you put on a Broncos jersey people want to beat you. It doesn't matter if you've won games or you haven't.

"Today we didn't look at who the Roosters had. We had a game plan of how we wanted to play."

Earlier, Olympian Emma Tonegato starred as she helped the Dragons to a 20-12 win over Gold Coast in her return to rugby league.

A former Jillaroo at the 2013 World Cup, Tonegato left the sport for Rugby Sevens and won gold at the 2016 Olympics.

The fullback excelled in her first game back in rugby league on Sunday as she set up the Dragons' first try and busted five tackles.

"She was fantastic. Everything we expected her to do she did," coach Jamie Soward said.

"She got a couple of opportunities there and we saw that it doesn't take long to slot back in when you're a quality athlete and professional."

Rookie half Rachael Pearson was also brilliant, kicking superbly in her first NRLW game at age 27 after moving from Hay three years ago.

Her effort set up a potential battle for the NSW State of Origin No.7 jersey with Studdon next week when the Dragons face the Eels, with the pair having played half for City and Country last year.

Studdon held her nerve in the final 30 seconds to secure the Eels maiden win on her first shot at field goal, after the Knights failed to take their chances on Parramatta's line.

Tiana Penitani was also brilliant for the Eels, scoring a try at centre, while Simaima Taufa got through a ton of work in the middle and helped them draw level when she ran a great line in the second half.

Australian Associated Press