The talking point of the match should be the Sydney Roosters victory over the Brisbane Broncos but instead, it is about Ashleigh Werner’s send-off for biting.
In what was her opening game in the NRLW, Werner was sensationally sent off biting after an allegation was made by Roosters winger Jayme Fressard.
The decision would ultimately prove too much to overcome for the Broncos as they eventually went down 36-18.
In her first outing in the Tricolours, Millie Boyle opened the scoring with a typical prop’s try, a barge over.
A lovely set play by the Roosters saw Mya Hill-Moana spin at the line and pass to Corban Baxter who broke through to score under the posts.
Jocelyn Kelleher then took the line on and, cut across and found lock Keilee Joseph who spun her way over the line for the Roosters’ third.
Tazmin Gray then scored a quick-fire double for the Broncos, with lovely passes from both Hayley Maddick and Ali Brigginshaw to send her over.
The Roosters would not stay off the scoresheet for long, though, as Olivia Kernick and Jess Sergis combined for the centre to score her first try.
The Broncos then produced the try of the game on the back of veteran half Brigginshaw.
Noticing space behind the line, she chipped over the top, regathered and scored what was a lovely try.
Anything the Broncos threw at the Roosters, they returned serve.
This time, Sergis turned provider, when she gathered a Kelleher grubber and found Baxter out wide for her second try.
Kernick and Sergis would then combine for a second time as Sergis also grabbed a double.
The Roosters final try came when Tarryn Aiken and Isabelle Kelly combined for Joeli Morris to score her first NRLW try.
Roosters coach John Strange was pleased with how his side started the game but disappointed at how they let the Broncos back into the game.
“We got off to a good start, 18-0, but was disappointed with how we put pressure on ourselves and allowed the Broncos get back into the game from forced errors,” said Strange.
Scott Prince lamented his side’s performance with the Brisbane coach pointing out the missed opportunities while they still had 13 players.
“When we had 13 we weren’t hungry enough. The effort was great, courage was outstanding but we missed an opportunity,” said Prince.
Sydney Roosters 36 (Baxter 2, Sergis 2, Boyle, Joseph, Morris; Goals: Kelleher 4) def. Brisbane Broncos 18 (Gray 2, Brigginshaw; Goals; Brigginshaw 3).
NRL News Player of the Game
3. Jocelyn Kelleher (SYD)
2. Jess Sergis (SYD)
1. Ali Brigginshaw (BRI)