NRLW Tackle: Rory Owen emerging as next big NRLW star, Tarryn Aiken suffers suspected AC joint injury

Parramatta have unearthed one of the game’s next big stars who is right in the mix for rookie of the year status following her incredible solo heroics over the weekend. THE NRLW TACKLE.

Pamela Whaley reveals her likes and dislikes from round 7 of the NRLW season.

ROUND 7 LIKES

STAR IN THE MAKING

Parramatta have unearthed one of the brightest young talents in the game in Rory Owen, who has pushed her case to be rookie of the year after standing up one of the game’s best in Sunday’s win.

In her first NRLW season she has been a revelation on the edge, helping the Eels to Sunday’s boilover 24-14 win over the Titans at Granville.

The 20-year-old scored a crucial try in the 60th minute to put the Eels ahead, but it’s how she did it that matters.

Picking up the ball from 40 metres out, Owens burned the Titans on the edge, outpacing Australia and Queensland star Evania Pelite to the line for a stunning solo try, her fourth of the season.

Rory Owen scored a sensational solo try against the Titans. Picture: Jeremy Ng/Getty Images

GAME ON

The race for the NRLW minor premiership has crashed open after Cronulla were handed a thrashing by the rampaging Roosters at home on Sunday.

The Sharks were blown off the park with a 40-0 loss, which ended an eight-game winning streak that had them cruising at the top of the ladder two games clear of the rest of the pack.

It was a wakeup call with a fortnight left in the competition, but a huge statement for the Roosters which has set up a frenzied final two rounds.

The Broncos and Knights are also chasing, while the Cowboys and Eels are close behind.

The top six face off in round 8 which could decide the final makeup of the top four.

The Broncos host the Sharks in a double-header at Cbus Super Stadium on Saturday, where the Titans host three-time premiers Newcastle.

Then the Roosters host the Cowboys in Gosford on Sunday who kept their season alive with a 24-22 win over the Tigers.

SLIDING DOORS

There was a sparkle in Sam Bremner’s eye in Sunday’s thrashing of the Sharks.

A local girl, Bremner was close to making her comeback out of retirement with Cronulla this year, but the Sharks were already all in on young fullback Jada Taylor and those conversations stalled.

Then the Roosters came knocking once Corban Baxter went down with an ACL injury. In a sad twist of irony, Taylor also suffered an ACL injury earlier this season once Bremner was already snapped up by the Roosters.

The former Jillaroos skipper has blossomed in the No.1 jersey despite two years out of the game and no preseason.

On Sunday scored a try, set up another, as well as five tacklebreaks and two linebreaks in a comprehensive 40-0 win.

Sam Bremner is lighting up the competition. Picture: NRL Photos

ROUND 7 DISLIKES

COOKED CHOOK

Roosters sensation Tarryn Aiken has sent a scare through the competition after suffering a suspected AC joint injury in Sunday’s thrashing of Cronulla.

The Australia and Queensland half was taken off the field in the second half cradling her arm, and was then sidelined in a sling after some heavy contact.

Although pain management is usually the obstacle with an AC joint injury, she will be sent for precautionary scans to be sure no further damage is done.

The Roosters, who have copped a massive injury toll this season, are coy on details.

Already representative stars Jess Sergis (knee) and Corban Baxter (knee) are sidelined, while Millie Elliott missed Sunday’s clash through suspension.

Aiken is key for the Roosters as they make a run for the premiership having set up five tries already this season.

Sydney Roosters star Tarryn Aiken with her shoulder strapped after suffering a setback against Cronulla. Picture: Fox League

HIP DROP HORROR

Canberra enforcer Kerehitina Matua will miss the rest of the NRLW season after being hit with a two-match ban for an ugly hip drop tackle in Saturday’s win over St George Illawarra.

On Sunday morning Matua was charged with grade three dangerous contact for the horror incident on Madison Mulhall, who miraculously avoided injury in the 38-34 loss to the Raiders.

Matua was sin-binned for the hit, and Dragons coach Jamie Soward described it as one of the worst hip drops the women’s game has seen.

And with two rounds left to play until finals, Matua’s season is essentially over.

The 25-year-old can cop the two match ban with an early guilty plea, but risks three games if she challenges the charge at the NRL judiciary and loses.

Meanwhile, Emma Barnes has escaped with a warning for a tackle on Dragons prop Steph Hancock which forced the veteran from the field at Netstrata Jubilee Oval on Saturday.

Kerehitina Matua is sent to the sin bin. Picture: NRL Photos

Hancock suffered an ankle injury in the contact and eventually returned to the field later in the game, but the club believes her season may be over.

The same goes for star centre Bobbi Law who was sent to hospital on Saturday afternoon with suspected broken ribs, compounding pain for the Dragons after a week of off-field drama.

Club legend and 2010 NRL premiership-winner Soward was told his contract would not be renewed early in the week because his connection with the playing group was not good enough after four years with the club.

It kick started a week of pain, which ended with a four-point loss in the dying stages of the match to end their finals hopes.

NO GOLD FOR GOLD COAST

This season has been a reality check for the Titans, who have had their finals hopes dashed with two rounds left to play.

Sunday’s loss to the Eels will almost certainly rule them out of finals contention, with just three wins from seven rounds and desperately needing another two points to stay in touch with the top four.

They’ve now been leapfrogged by the Eels and Cowboys and remain a mathematical chance with the Knights and Raiders left to play, but they need other results to go their way.

It’s a big fall for last year’s grand finalists, who were hit hard with injury in the pre-season and have struggled to plug the gaps.

Originally published as NRLW Tackle: Rory Owen emerging as next big NRLW star, Tarryn Aiken suffers suspected AC joint injury