NSW's women did everything coach Rob Baumann asked in a 57-0 win over the Rebels that secured them Super W final hosting rights.
“It gave us the opportunity to work on some things that we needed to work on and I was quite happy with them today,” he said.
Though they came into the game as the hottest of favourites, but Baumann stressed there was no room for complacency among his side.
“I impressed on the girls we just wanted to be respectful of our opposition, keep to our structure and play some good rugby, which they’ve done," he said.
“The score was quite large but the opposition was formidable, they just didn’t lay down and gave us a good contest.
“So from our perspective it was quite a physical hit-out which was the pleasing aspect and I thought we handled that well.
Baumann also felt it was a good team effort with players contributing well across the field boding well for the final in a fortnight.
“Crystal (Maguire) had a good game and Cobie-Jane (Morgan) and I think Chloe (Leaupepe) created a lot of chances," he said.
"Inger (Visser) has been a work horse all through the tournament and a lot of her work goes unnoticed, so she again was strong for us.
“Overall, I think it was a real team effort today and they all stepped up to the plate.”
For Rebels coach Alana Thomas, the determination shown by her players in the second half to battle to the end was a major indication of how far the team has developed.
“We talked today about leaving a legacy for the future and that second half was fantastic,” Thomas said.
“They defended their hearts out and the attack was coming together really well.”
Going through this inaugural series without a win has had little baring on Thomas’ overall views, taking many positives from the team’s experience.
“They’ve just improved so much since that first game and I couldn’t be prouder of them and what they did today,” she said.
“The smiles on their faces and what they’ve achieved and where they have come from is fantastic – they’ve done a great job.
“This competition has really set a good standard and has shown these young girls coming through what they can achieve and what they can aspire to.”
For the former Wallaroo the future for the women’s game could not be better.
“It’s been a wonderful experience for me and a wonderful experience for the team, the girls and I’m just looking forward to seeing the sport explode and continue to grow.”
While the season is over for Thomas and her charges, Baumann will prepare his NSW squad for the big final in a fortnight in the battle against traditional rival Queensland for the inaugural title.
