Sydney Roosters coach John Strange has called for faster rucks despite his side cruising to a commanding opening-round NRLW victory.
The Roosters ran in seven tries to two in a ruthless 34-10 win over hosts Gold Coast on Saturday, but Strange said the slow pace of the ruck took some shine off the performance.
"I'm really disappointed watching that game. Not in the way we played, it was just a really slow ruck," Strange said.
"You work really hard to get one-on-ones, get quick play-the-balls, and then you get second efforts coming in (at the tackle).
"Hopefully that's not going to continue ... they bring in six-agains and they might be more inclined to call them."
Despite Strange's frustrations, the Roosters looked every bit the title contenders they were through their 2025 campaign.Â
Outside backs Jess Sergis and Jayme Fressard each crossed for doubles in a clinical attacking display.
While the Roosters picked up where they left off, the team that denied them last year's premiership also made an emphatic statement.
Reigning premiers Brisbane brushed aside rivals North Queensland at Suncorp Stadium, racing to a 30-4 halftime lead before completing a thumping 50-4 victory.
NRLW debutants Rhemy Hinckesman, Harlem Walker and Caitlin Urwin all marked their first appearances with tries in a rout that featured eight different Broncos tryscorers.
The Broncos extended their winning streak to 11 matches with the dominant display, controlling 58 per cent of possession while finishing with almost twice as many running metres as the Cowboys.
Star recruit Jesse Southwell slotted seamlessly into Brisbane's spine, the halfback combining well with veteran halfback Ali Brigginshaw.
"The score helped, but playing alongside some amazing athletes is really cool," Southwell said post-match. "I loved every moment."
Canberra also began their campaign in impressive fashion, defeating St George Illawarra 20-4 at Kogarah after an encouraging club debut from fullback Sheridan Gallagher.
Gallagher immediately justified her recruitment, running for 213 metres while recording both a try assist and a line-break assist in an influential all-round performance.
The Raiders dominated possession, consistently pinning the Dragons in their own half.
Club stalwart Simaima Taufa capped off her 50th NRLW appearance with a try in the 67th minute.
For the Dragons, Maroons representative Shenae Ciesiolka had a quiet first outing for her new club, while fellow recruit Brooke Anderson impressed defensively with a game-high 36 tackles.