A reduction to 12 players was not enough to stop the power of the Sydney Roosters as they produced a stellar comeback to defeat the North Queensland Cowboys 24-12.
The victory sees the Roosters atop the NRLW premiership table, however, the club will face a nervous wait with various key stars falling to injury and the match review committee.
A dominant performance from the Sydney-based side did not deter away from concern as star fullback Sam Bremner and centre Isabelle Kelly fell to the turf.
In attempt to push a try attempt over the sideline, Bremner found her legs trapped under three players in the tackle.
As play continued, the fullback failed to return to her feet, crawling over the sideline clutching at her knee.
“Sam Bremner is still down in the corner and she is holding her right knee,” Fittler said.
The concern lasted a matter of moments as Bremner returned to the line to continue play.
Concerning signs for Bremner
With seconds remaining on the clock Kelly was left laying on the turf with a suspected ankle complaint.
Kelly was unable to return to her feet as trainers entered to provide aid in the back of play.
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“Kelly is in agony,” Brenton Speed said.
“She is in some pain. It is very rare that we see her stay down,” Allana Ferguson added.
Replays of the incident indicated a hip drop-like tackle performed by Tiana Raftstrand-Smith, but no penalty was blown by the officials.
Isabelle Kelly lays on the turf with a suspected ankle complaint. Nine
Second rower Eliza Lopamaua will await a decision by the match review committee after she was given marching orders for a hip drop tackle on Lillian Yarrow.
The incident was initially disregard by the on field referees, with Yarrow falling centimetres short from the try line.
But a three minute bunker review of the incident deemed the tackle to be of dangerous nature, much to the disappointment of Fittler.
“That’s not a hip drop,” Brad Fittler said in commentary on Nine.
“That’s tackling from behind. That is how everyone used to do it.
“The fact she fell on her ankles – it wasn’t her fault.”
Eliza Lopamaua pinged for a hip drop tackle. Nine
Earlier, the hosts took the lead via Olivia Kernick before trading tries with the visitors through Kirra Dibb.
The Cowboys capitalised on a one-player advantage to set a powering Jakiya Whitfield over.
But the Cowboys’ efforts were unmatched to that of Amber Hall, who toppled over defenders to level the scores ahead of halftime.
An incredible carry from Hall put the defence on the back foot as she found Jasmin Strange on the inside to dart over the line.
Otesa Pule sealed the victory as she brushed off four tackle attempts to plant the ball in goal, marking the conclusion of the Tricolours surge.
