National Championships 2024: Live blog Day 1

NSW City have began their 2024 campaign in style, defeating New Zealand's Ahi Ka Aotearoa 8-0 in the opening match of the 2024 tournament. Winger Sharni Waters scored the first try of the tournament to give City a 4-0 lead which they held until the half-time break. The NSW side then extended their advantage in the second half when Katrina Phippen crossed. 

Western Australia v Northern Territory

Winger Jacinda Summers scored a double as the Northern Territory proved too strong for Western Australia in their 22-4 win. The NT were undefeated in their 2023 campaign and continued their strong form in the opening day of the tournament. Victoria Alley had a solid day out with the boot, kicking three from four conversions. Western Australia however had reason to cheer, with Gabrielle Mouat getting them on the board just before fulltime. 

Queensland Sapphires v Fiji

Newcomers Fiji faced a tough assignment first up, taking on the Queensland Sapphires. Things started in the worst possible way for the newcomers who were unable to regather the kick-off, allowing the Sapphires to set up a scoring play, with Natalia Webb scoring an early try. While they were then able to find their feet, putting in a strong defensive effort, the Queensland team were far too strong, running in seven tries, with Sapphire co-captain Bree Spreadborough going over for a double. 

Victoria v First Nations Gems

First Nations Gems made a winning start to their National Championships campaign, overpowering Victoria 26-6. Tanika Newton crossed for the first try of the match, helping them to a 16-0 lead at the break. The side continued their strong push in the second half, scoring two more tries, but Victoria never gave up and were rewarded in the closing stages when Lana Muamua went over for a try. 

The game also saw Las Vegas NRL Combine winners MarCaya Bailous and Megan Pakulis in action for the first time at the Championships football, with Bailous scoring a try. The duo will feature for other teams as well throughout the course of the tournament.

NSW Country v Papua New Guinea

Papua New Guinea launched their inaugural National Championships campaign with a match against  strong NSW Country side. While Country were in control from start to finish to post a 22-0 win, the match was much closer than the score indicated, with some stoic defensive efforts from the PNG side. 

Australian Defence Force Rugby League v South Australia

The Australian Defence Force Rugby League team put on a attacking display against South Australia in the final match of an action-packed first day of rugby league. Racing out to a 26-0 lead at the halftime break after crossing for five tries, South Australia struggled to rein them in, with Mardi Longford getting a double in the eight tries-to-nil win. Las Vegas NRL Combine winners MarCaya Bailous and Megan Pakulis both donned the South Australia colours to end their first day at the Championships. 

Women's National Championships Round 1 - Thursday charges

The Harvey Norman Women’s National Championships is proudly supported by Experience Gold Coast.