Werner sent off in NRLW debut
She was unavailable for interviews, as per the Broncos' request, but issued a statement via the club after the hearing, in which she said, "I am devastated, but accept the decision."
Ashleigh Werner made history last Saturday night at Sunshine Coast Stadium by becoming the first Jewish player to play in the NRLW, which this season has expanded to a 10-team, nine-round competition, with all matches broadcast live on the Nine Network.
But while her debut for the Broncos in their round one 18-36 loss to the Roosters began in high spirits, with Werner selected in Scott Prince’s starting 13 on the left wing, the 30-year-old former Australian bobsleigh representative’s night ended in tears when she was sent off in the 53rd minute.
Werner, who was signed by the Broncos following her impressive try-scoring form earlier this year in the NSWRLW season for Wests Tigers began the first half with a play-the-ball error and a penalty giveaway, but then settled into the game, making two good metre-gaining runs down the touchline and an important tackle defending her tryline.
And after being overwhelmed early by a dominant Roosters side to trail 0-18 after 18 minutes, the Broncos scored three quick tries to only be 18-22 down at half-time, but were kept scoreless by Sydney in the second half.
In the 53rd minute, Werner was strongly tackled about eight metres out from the Roosters’ line by Jayme Fressard, who then swung her arm down over Werner’s face, and immediately claimed to referee Wyatt Raymond that Werner had bitten her.
After a review by the bunker, Raymond sent Werner off and put her directly on report.
On Tuesday night, after an emotional two-hour hearing at the NRLW judiciary, Werner was issued a two-match suspension.
She was unavailable for interviews, as per the Broncos’ request, but issued a statement via the club after the hearing, in which she said, “I am devastated, but accept the decision.
“I would never intentionally hurt anyone, it’s not in my nature, it’s not in my character.
“My focus now is on supporting my teammates, and I look forward to re-joining them when I can.”
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