Broncos NRLW star Annetta-Claudia Nu’uausala takes subtle shot on social media after wild brawl

The dramatic incident between the Broncos and Eels has taken another turn as players take to social media to hash out their frustrations amid the fallout.

Broncos prop Annetta-Claudia Nu’uausala has taken a swipe at Eels forward Kennedy Cherrington on social media after being hit with two charges that could wipe her out for half of the NRLW season.

The New Zealand international was charged with striking Cherrington as well as a hip drop tackle in Saturday’s NRLW loss to the Eels, and is set to spend four weeks on the sidelines over the ugly incident.

Cherrington took to social media after the game, doubling down on Tiktok and Instagram for acting in defence of her sister Rueben, who was tackled dangerously.

She ignited the brawl as third-person in, for which she also copped a contrary conduct charge, and was sin-binned in the Eels’ 22-10 win along with Nu’uausala.

However, the dramatic saga took a new turn on Monday morning as Nu’uausala posted to Instagram with a caption that clearly referenced Cherrington’s social media behaviour.

Annetta-Claudia Nu’uausala could be rubbed out for the rest of the season. Picture: NRL Photos

The 29-year-old did not reference or apologise for the punch, but said the reaction has been blown out of proportion.

“Hi everyone, thank you for all the supportive messages and checking in over the last few days,” she wrote.

“Although there were a lot of really nice things being said, there were also a few disgusting ones too.

“I’m an aggressive footy player but im (sic) also human, and im (sic) going to make mistakes.

“What people saw Saturday arvo, was a desperate attempt at a tackle that went wrong. What people tend to forget is, we as footy players do not go out there to intentionally hurt anyone. I know I don’t, anyway. What happened was blown way out of proportion.

The brawl between the Broncos and Eels stole the headlines on the opening round of the NRLW season. Picture: Albert Perez/Getty Images

“I am a strong family orientated person. I defend mine just like anyone else would. But I know the difference between an accident and when something is done on purpose.

“I don’t flip out to please people. I don’t use social media to gain likes or be liked. And I definitely do not use social media to get reassurance from people I don’t know.

“In saying this, I am owning what I did as best as I can.

“Again, thank you family & friends for all the love and support! It’s been tough … but I promise to get back to you in all due time.”

It has made for an interesting start to the NRLW season.

The fall out from the wild brawl has come at the worst possible time as players agitate to move to professionalism in time for the next broadcast cycle in 2028.

Audience numbers are more important than ever to monetise the sport, which can take players from part-time professionals to full-time athletes over the next few years.

The NRL’s firm stance to ban Nu’uausala for half of the season shows this behaviour is unacceptable in a sport that needs to grow.