Dragons fall to Roosters in NRLW opener

"There was a lot of playing through the middle of the field whereas I thought we could've started to get a bit more wider towards the end of the halves.

"But it was working for us through the middle and our forwards were incredible and laid a platform. Obviously, they've been feeling like they had a disappointing year last season and were determined to get this season off to a good start.

"They came out with fresh minds."

Roosters coach Jamie Feeney said Caslick worked with captain Corban McGregor "beautifully" to allow the playmaker to adjust to the game.

"It was her first every rugby league game so she's still learning on the go," Feeney said.

"Athletically she's outstanding and we couldn't leave her out, we had to find a way to get her in.

"Her and Corbs (McGregor) managed their fatigue well to swap in and out of positions to allow Charlotte an introduction but not leave her there and have the pressure on her the whole time."

Caslick's efforts were matched by her Roosters teammates, five of whom were on debut and included Kennedy Cherrington, who ran for 148 metres.

For the Dragons, the loss was compounded by injuries to Jessica Sergis (leg), Shakiah Tungai (shoulder) and Kezie Apps, who failed a head injury assessment after a heavy knock.

A burrowing effort from Nita Maynard opened the scoring for the Tricolours with the crafty hooker taking advantage of a quick play-the-ball close to the line.

Two errors from Zahara Temara following the restart gifted the Dragons field advantage to strike back and the returning Sam Bremner made no mistake to send Tiana Penitani over in the corner.

The Roosters copped a blow with fullback Botille Vette-Welsh lasting just 13 minutes before succumbing to a hamstring injury with her campaign under threat over the next month.

Vette-Welsh's replacement, utility Quincy Dodd, made her presence felt to go over for the Roosters before half-time to set up an eight-point lead.

Last year's grand finalists were denied a four-pointer in dubious circumstances and were then left reeling when Isabelle Kelly failed to find an open Penitani with the clock ticking down.

Roosters lock Hannah Southwell was a woman on a mission with several brutal hits on her NSW and Jillaroos teammates in an outstanding performance in the middle.

"They were ready and willing and it showed with the energy," Feeney said.

"There is 12 or 13 who have played before but everything is about how we were going to play this year.

"We had six team sessions before we played our first game. It was about quick preparation and fast learning. There were execution dramas but the way they dug in and defended their line it's Roosters footy."

Dragons forwards Elsie Albert and Steph Hancock provided the much-needed grunt through the middle for the Red V, but the last-play options let the side down in limited opportunities.

A successful captain's challenge from McGregor helped extend their Roosters' lead to 10 with Shaylee Bent ruled to have stripped the ball in a tackle.

McGregor's successful afternoon got even greater with a late offload from Caslick allowing the Roosters captain to ensure the result was sealed late.