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NRLW runners-up Gold Coast have reasserted their title credentials with an 18-10 win over St George Illawarra, while Canberra thrashed Wests Tigers 32-12.
Lauren Brown has put on a clinic to help Gold Coast announce themselves as NRLW heavyweights yet again, starring in the Titans' 18-10 win over St George Illawarra.
Brown helped in all four of Gold Coast's tries on Sunday in Wollongong, with winger Emily Bass the main beneficiary with a hat-trick.
Titans fullback Evania Pelite's impact was also clear again, as she combined with Brown to throw the last pass for two of Bass's tries and scoring one of her own.
Grand finalists last year when they led eventual premiers Newcastle in the decider with 10 minutes to go, the Titans are expected to be a threat again this year.
And that was clear from the outset at WIN Stadium, where they dominated field position and beat the Dragons in the middle, and with Brown exercising complete control of the game.
The Queensland State of Origin star ran the ball on the last tackle in the lead up to the Titans' first, creating the space for Shaylee Bent to put Bass over.
Similar space was created for Pelite to put Bass over twice more, while Brown's best play of the day came when she drilled a line drop-out low into touch to regain possession.
"Loz (Brown) this time last year was playing No.9, and she plays that at Origin," Titans coach Karyn Murphy said.
"In our side she's a No.7, and she's working hard each week on that role. She obviously has the good kicking game, and today she was very good at doing that."
In comparison, the Dragons bombed too many of their chances, with Margot Vella letting two go begging on the right wing.
And while Teagan Berry set up one on the right and scored on the left in the second half, the Dragons were too often their own worst enemies.
Canberra also announced themselves as title contenders with a 32-12 rout of Wests Tigers in the opening round's biggest win.
The Raiders were lethal in attack, as they showed the benefits of a second pre-season under inaugural coach Darrin Borthwick.
They gave no quarter to a sloppy Tigers side that completed just two thirds of their sets at a blustery Campbelltown Sports Stadium.
The Raiders scored through Alanna Dummett after Tigers halfback Losana Lutu and debutant Harmony Crichton got their wires crossed under a high ball, and again through Mackenzie Wiki after the hosts kicked it out on the full from the restart.
Madison Bartlett, Simaima Taufa and Zahara Temara also picked up tries for the visitors in a one-way first half, but Rikeya Horne pulled one back to ensure the Tigers went to the break with points on the board.
The home side restored some pride with a much-improved second half.
Each side scored just once apiece after the interval, as the Raiders' supply of Try July celebrations nearly ran dry.
