NRLW’s Werner referred to judiciary for biting

Jasper Bruce | July 24, 2023

Brisbane rookie Ashleigh Werner has been referred directly to the judiciary after the first match of her NRLW career, for allegedly biting rival player Jayme Fressard

In the Broncos’ 36-18 loss on Saturday night, the national bobsled representative-turned-winger became the first player in the competition’s history to be sent from the field.

The incident occurred in the 54th minute at Sunshine Coast Stadium as Fressard attempted a tackle on 30-year-old Werner.

The Roosters winger promptly sprung to her feet claiming she had been bitten on the arm.

Post-match, Roosters coach John Strange said Fressard’s arm had been left bloodied and marked from the incident.

The bunker reviewed footage of the alleged bite and advised referee Wyatt Raymond to expel Werner from the contest, all but ending Brisbane’s chances of coming back from two tries down.

The NRLW charge sheet was late to be released on Sunday as the match review committee deliberated Werner’s punishment.

Rather than impose a suspension and give Werner the option to enter a plea, the NRL has referred her directly to the judiciary, where she will have the opportunity to explain her version of events on Tuesday night.

The NRL typically only refers players to the judiciary for the most serious conduct, or that which is against the ‘spirit of the game’.

Brisbane men’s fullback Reece Walsh was the most recent player to face similar treatment, fronting the panel in June charged with swearing at a match official. 

Broncos coach Scott Prince admitted footage of the incident “didn’t look good” but questioned whether Fressard may have mistaken legal contact for biting.

“Any time an arm or a hand is around someone’s head and in contact with the teeth, I know from experience, it actually feels like someone’s maybe biting at you,” the premiership-winning halfback said.

“It looked like and it felt like it was a bite but we’ll have to look. If there’s marks (on Fressard’s arm), we’ll have to trust her judgment.”

Premiership-winning former Bronco Fressard was left angered by the incident.

“She’s not too happy but we’ll leave that up to the judiciary to deal with,” Strange said.

“There’s teeth marks in her arm. I’m not sure if her mouth guard is shaped like teeth. There’s a fair bit of blood and teeth marks.

“It’s unfortunate that’s happened in the game but Fressie will be OK.”

North Queensland centre Mia Middleton is set to miss two games for a dangerous throw on Gold Coast’s Emily Bass in the Cowboys’ first NRLW match.

Middleton went to the sin bin for up-ending Bass in the second half of the Titans’ 16-6 win and has been charged with a grade-two dangerous throw.

She will miss three games if she unsuccessfully challenges the charge at the judiciary.