Tarryn Aiken made a strong return from injury as the Sydney Roosters opened their NRLW season with a commanding 34-10 win over the Gold Coast Titans on Saturday afternoon. The match, held on the Gold Coast, marked a significant statement from last year’s minor premiers and beaten grand finalists.

Aiken, sidelined during last year’s finals series due to an ACL tear, demonstrated that she has retained her speed and playmaking abilities. The halfback was instrumental in setting the tone early, delivering a precise pass to Jess Sergis that resulted in the Roosters’ opening try. Throughout the game, Aiken was heavily involved in the attacking plays, including a solo try of her own. She weaved through the defense to score a notable try, earning an early mark with about 18 minutes remaining in the match.

The Roosters’ forwards and backs—including several State of Origin representatives—capitalized on Aiken’s playmaking, with fullback Corban Baxter effectively exploiting space on the edges. This allowed the Roosters to accumulate points steadily.

Jess Sergis and Jayme Fressard each crossed for two tries, contributing significantly to the team’s final score. Meanwhile, the Titans’ newcomer Teagan Levi, a former rugby sevens standout making her NRLW debut, impressed both in attack and defense. Levi scored the Titans’ first try with a well-executed grubber kick followed by a successful regather, and she also recorded 20 tackles without a miss, underscoring her defensive commitment despite her newness to the code.

The match highlighted the Roosters’ depth and skill following their off-season recovery period, while the Titans, though defeated, showed potential through Levi’s promising debut performance. The victory positions Sydney well as contenders for the 2025 season, with Aiken’s comeback proving pivotal in the team’s early momentum.