Tactix overpower Steel

The Mainland Tactix are a resilient bunch. Playing their first ANZ Premiership game in three months after Covid-19 postponed the season after one round, the Tactix made a major statement, overpowering the Southern Steel 43-36 in Auckland on Saturday. With the score level at 20-all at halftime, the Tactix blew the Steel off the court 14-7 in the third quarter to seize control of the game. The Tactix outscored the Steel 23-16 in the second half with their back three of Jane Watson, Temalisi Fakahokotau, and Charlotte Elley snaffling up defensive turnovers at will.

Tactix 43 (Ellie Bird: 31/39, Te Paea Selby-Rickit: 12/14) Steel 36 (Jennifer O’Connell: 11/12, Kalifa McCollin: 22/27, Georgia Heffernan 3/4).

Hours after the NRL announced it was releasing its players back into society, another bubble burst. It might not feel like it right now, but the 24-10 loss to the Roosters on Saturday night was by no means a bad result for Parramatta. It has given Eels coach Brad Arthur an indication of not only where his team really sits, but also how far it still has to go in order to break the NRL’s longest premiership drought. The gap between the pacesetters and the premiers isn’t as big as many thought. This was billed as the match of the year and it delivered. ‘‘Great contest, the clash it should have been,’’ Roosters coach Trent Robinson.

Roosters 24 (Brett Morris, Boyd Cordner, Daniel Tupou tries; Kyle Flanagan 6 goals) Eels 10 (Michael Jennings, Maika Siva tries; Mitchell Moses goal). HT: 8-0.

Pictured, Daniel Tupou scores for the Roosters.