The result equalled the Warriors’ largest margin of victory of 38 points, which they achieved last season in a 44-6 win against the Wests Tigers.
It was a much-improved performance from the Warriors, but it did take time for them to click into gear and they should have scored more tries, particularly in the first half.
Regardless, it was important for the Warriors to respond, considering they are still without a host of key players including Gayle Broughton, Mele Hufanga and Payton Takimoana, who are all a chance of returning next weekend.
After a brief arm wrestle, Tauhalaliku scored the opening try of the match after pouncing on a grubber kick from captain Apii Nicholls.
The Warriors were guilty of a few errors but their persistence paid off with Waaka scoring her first try for the club, capitalising on a mistake by a Cowboys’ winger.
Then on the stroke of halftime, Ivana Lauitiiti crashed over under the posts as the Warriors took a 14-0 lead into the break.
The Warriors found their mojo in the second half as four tries in the space of 12 minutes put the result beyond doubt.
Former Wallaroos halfback Jasmin Huriwai scored her first try for the club when Patricia Maliepo’s grubber kick sat up perfectly to score under the posts.
Waaka’s second try was the best of the game when Tauhalaliku made a break down the left wing before Ocean Tierney had the Warriors’ sixth on the opposite wing.
Tauhalaliku then claimed three tries to round out the match, while the Cowboys got a consolation try through Francesca Goldthorp.
Next up for the Warriors Women is another winless team, the Parramatta Eels, next Sunday in Sydney. The Warriors won 14-0 when the two teams met last season.
Ben Francis is an Auckland-based reporter for the New Zealand Herald who covers breaking sports news.