After promising so much, NZ Warriors have lurched out of NRLW playoff contention, suffering a 52-18 hiding from reigning champions Brisbane Broncos in Brisbane.
The Auckland-based wāhine loomed as strong post-season contenders, after recruiting wisely over the summer, but lost totally lost direction midway through their campaign, tumbling to five consecutive defeats that cost them any chance of reaching the finals.
Their last outing perhaps epitomised their fortunes, as they competed throughout the first half, actually leading 8-6 with halftime looming.
Former Broncos half Gayle Broughton scored one of their tries and created the other, with a kick to goal that eluded the Brisbane defence and sat up for wing Tysha Ikenasio to score.
That advantage disappeared, when Broncos centre Deleni Paitai crossed just before the break, putting her team ahead 12-8, and the second half became a oneway procession, as they piled on 34 consecutive points after the restart.
The Warriors struggled to get their hands on the ball during the onslaught, but salvaged some pride, as centre Stacey Waaka and hooker Jasmin Huriwai grabbed late tries.
Paitai and wing Julia Robinson both secured try doubles for the Broncos, who were locked into third place on the competition table before kickoff.
Women’s league legend half Ali Brigginshaw played her final home game for the Broncos and slotted the conversion of Robinson’s second try to take her team over 50 points.
The Warriors finish with four wins and seven losses, and will now turn their attention to building for next season, focusing on building a stronger fitness base under coach Ron Griffiths.
See how the game unfolded in our live blog below: