Broncos star Annetta-Claudia Nu’uausala is facing a four match ban after she escaped lucky to only be binned for an ugly brawl late in their NRLW season-opening loss to the Eels.
Three players were cited for their role in the incident on the charge sheet, with the Broncos set to be without their prop for half the season – given Nu’uausala accepts the early plea deal. If the Broncos opt to challenge the decision, Nu’uausala could face six weeks on the sidelines.
Kennedy Cherrington and Tazmin Rapana were charged with grade one contrary conduct and are facing a one-game ban, although both are eligible to opt for a monetary penalty of $400.
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The melee was sparked by a head-high contact and hip drop tackle by Nu’uausala on Rueben Cherrington who was left laying on the turf.
Cherrington’s sister Kennedy then rushed in and pushed the Broncos front rower out of the ruck, which caused tempers to flare.
“She’s pushed her,” Ruan Sims said on Nine.
A video replay showed Nu’uausala laid a punch on the Eels lock before engaging in some more push and shove, before teammates came to separate the pair.
“She might be spending some time on the line,” Sims said.
“She’s let one rip right on the chin of Kennedy Cherrington. Players came running in from everywhere after that,” Drury Forbes called.
The incident spilled throughout both teams with Abbi Church’s attempt to settle the dispute resulting in the Eels star becoming the next prime target for Nu’uausala.
Match officials acted quickly with Cherrington immediately given her marching orders for her involvement.
In a decision which left Nine’s commentary team surprised, Nu’uausala escaped a sin bin and was solely placed on report for the hip drop tackle, with no mention on the punch made during the on field decision.
“She’s sent not for the punch but for the hip drop?” Phil Gould asked.
“There is high contact with the head and then there is a reaction off the back of it,” replied Sims.
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“The referee is obviously trying to take some heat out of the game there, but I thought it was Brianna Clark with the high contact.”
Earlier, the Eels proved they are ready to turnaround their wooden spoon season as they responded to an early try by Julia Robinson with back-to-back four-pointers.
Robinson’s efforts saw the Broncos become the first NRLW team to score 150 tries.
Monique Donovan was next over for the visitors before Kennedy Cherrington found the line in the 59th minute.