The Canberra Raiders fell short 28-18 in a brave effort against the North Queensland Cowboys on Saturday afternoon at GIO Stadium.
The Cowboys came out firing, scoring in the first minute through Vitalina Naikore, who caught a Kirra Dibb bomb to lead 4-nil.
The Cowboys were quick to take advantage of an error as Krystal Blackwell made a runaway break score, extending to a 10-0 lead.
North Queensland were unable to hold off Canberra’s attack as Sophie Holyman crossed the line with twelve minutes to go, closing the gap to 10-6.
Cowboys’ Jasmin Peter built off their momentum to dive over in the corner and score, extending their lead to 14-6.
The visitors were able to claim another one before halftime through Tiana Raftstrand-Smith, who scored in the corner to aid her team to a 18-6 lead at halftime.
It was not long in the second half as Canberra made themselves known, a runaway break from Naitokatoka following a sharp pass to debutant Felice Quinlan scoring her first NRLW try, closing the gap to 18-12.
North Queensland utilised their attack on the left-hand side of the field as Vitalina Naikore put her body on the line to score and secure a double in the contest, extending to a 22-12 lead.
The Raiders weakened the North Queensland defense as Simaima Taufa used her strength to push through multiple defenders and score, closing the gap to 22-18.
Canberra were unable to hold on as Jasmine Peter scored in the final minutes of the game to secure her double.
The Canberra Raiders look ahead for redemption, facing the Sydney Roosters next Sunday at Allianz Stadium, Sydney.
