NRLW 2024: Annetta Nu’uausala throws a punch as Eels stun the Broncos

The new NRLW season is off to a fiery start with a Broncos star throwing a punch in her side’s shock loss to the Eels.

The Sharks have announced themselves as a genuine premiership threat after they opened their NRLW campaign with a shutout win over the Cowboys. Picture: Mark Evans/Getty Images

Broncos star Annetta Nu’uausala could be in hot water after she was sent to the sin bin for a hip-drop tackle on Reuben Cherrington and then punched Kennedy Cherrington in the face as Parramatta pulled off a massive upset at Suncorp Stadium.

The 22-10 loss is a huge reality check for the Broncos who lost the penalty count 12-3 and could be without their star prop for a while after she was originally penalised for a hip drop which saw Kennedy Cherrington rush in which sparked a brawl with 10 minutes remaining.

“That’s my baby sister. I don’t let anyone touch her,” Kennedy told Fox League after the game.

Nu’uausala threw a punch while another Broncos player pulled Cherrington’s hair, with both players finishing the game in the sin bin, with the match review committee to look at the incident more closely.

Nu’uausala could have easily been sent off for the double dose of foul play and now faces a nervous wait for the charges to drop.

“She’s got my back and I’ve got her back. It’s sibling love,” Reuben said after the win.”

Annetta Nu'uausala was sent to the sin bin for a moment of madness against the Eels. Picture: Albert Perez/Getty Images

GOLDEN BOOT

The Eels were the biggest disappointment in 2023 as they finished with the wooden spoon, but they look like a completely different team under new coach Steve Georgallis who had them firing against one of the competition heavyweights.

Rachael Pearson’s boot was the difference on Saturday, with the win seeing Parramatta match their entire win total from last season.

Pearson steered the team brilliantly, with the NSW halfback nailing a 40/30 and then putting in a perfect grubber for Kennedy Cherrington to make it 20-10 just when the hosts looked like they were storming home.

There were plenty of positives for Parramatta on Saturday afternoon, with the blue and golds getting in the Olympic spirit with a starting block celebration and then a volleyball reenactment to raise money for Try July.

Kennedy Cherrington was involved in everything as the Eels stunned the Broncos. Picture: Albert Perez/Getty Images

KENNEDY CONFUSION

It’s probably a good thing that the Eels held on because it looked like they were denied a legitimate try midway through the first half that the referee refused to send upstairs.

Eels star Kennedy Cherrington burrowed over from close range and looked to have got the ball to the line, but the referee said play on instead of asking to have it reviewed.

“I thought the ball was over (the line) but the ref said otherwise. I think we scored the next set so it’s all good,” Cherrington said as she left the field at half-time.

BRONCOS BUCKED

The afternoon started perfectly with Julia Robinson reeling in a kick and sprinting 97 metres before she celebrated like Usain Bolt, but poor discipline cost the Broncos dearly.

They finished the game with just 37 per cent possession and 36 per cent of the territory on the back of a lopsided penalty count and 11 handling errors.

The Broncos started well but were punished for their poor discipline. Picture: Albert Perez/Getty Images

A first-half double to Cassie Staples has powered the Sharks to a thumping 14-0 win over the Cowboys who could be in for another tough season after they failed to fire in attack despite dominating possession and territory.

The Sharks were tipped in the pre-season to be the big improvers after they missed the finals in their first year, and they showed they will be a force in 2024 with their left edge causing all sorts of problems for the Cowboys defence.

Emma Tonegato set up Tiana Penitani for the opener before the skipper turned provider for Staples who scored two tries in three minutes from simple scrum plays close to the line.

The NRLW girls literally bringing #TryJuly back to life!#NRLWSharksCowboyspic.twitter.com/ARDO2d9f0F

— Sportsbet.com.au (@sportsbetcomau) July 27, 2024

The Sharks have strike all over the park, make easy metres through Ellie Johnston and they also have a weapon in defence with Brooke Anderson cutting the Cowboys in half and forcing an error which led to Staples’ try.

They also know how to celebrate with Penitani resuscitating Staples after her first try to put another $5000 in the Try July kitty.

BAD SIGNS

The Cowboys won just two games in their inaugural season and the early signs suggest they could be in for another long year after they failed to capitalise on a stack of first-half territory when they were camped on Cronulla’s line.

North Queensland rarely threatened, with key signing Jakiya Whitfeld having to wait 22 minutes for her first carry after she was one of the league’s best metre eaters at the Tigers last year.

Things won’t get easier next week with Queensland rookie Makenzie Weale set to enter concussion protocols after her head slammed into the turf inside the opening five minutes.