Brisbane NRLW star withdraws judiciary challenge

Brisbane's Annetta-Claudia Nu'uausala (r) won't challenge a two-match ban for a hip-drop tackle. (Jono Searle/AAP PHOTOS)

Brisbane have withdrawn their bid to downgrade Annetta-Claudia Nu'uausala's NRLW ban for a hip-drop tackle, after Parramatta's Rueben Cherrington was ruled out for the season through injury.

Nu'uausala was due to front the NRL's judiciary on Tuesday night, attempting to turn her two-match ban for the dangerous-contact charge into a fine.

But the Broncos opted against that challenge on Tuesday, writing to the NRL judiciary chairman to change Nu'uausala's  plea to guilty over the tackle.

The Broncos' decision came as it emerged Cherrington had suffered a season-ending syndesmosis injury from the tackle.

It means Nu'uausala will now miss four matches in total, given she had already accepted a two-game ban for punching Rueben's sister Kennedy in an ensuing fight.

Kennedy Cherrington has already accepted a fine for her role in the fight, after she ran in and pushed Nu'uausala after the tackle.

The incident has already overshadowed the opening weekend of the NRLW, and spilled over into a social-media feud.

Kennedy Cherrington took to social media after the match saying she always had her sister's back, but Nu'uausala appeared to bite back on Monday.

“What people saw Saturday arvo was a desperate attempt at a tackle that went wrong," Nu'uausala posted on Instagram. 

"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.

“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."

Nu'uausala's ban means she will miss close to half of the nine-round NRLW season and only return in round six.

Parramatta have named Taneka Todhunter at hooker for their clash with Gold Coast on Sunday as a replacement for Rueben Cherrington.

License this article

What is AAPNews?

For the first time, Australian Associated Press is delivering news straight to the consumer.

No ads. No spin. News straight-up.

Not only do you get to enjoy high-quality news delivered straight to your desktop or device, you do so in the knowledge you are supporting media diversity in Australia.

AAP Is Australia’s only independent newswire service, free from political and commercial influence, producing fact-based public interest journalism across a range of topics including politics, courts, sport, finance and entertainment.

What is AAPNews?
The Morning Wire

Wake up to AAPNews’ morning news bulletin delivered straight to your inbox or mobile device, bringing you up to speed with all that has happened overnight at home and abroad, as well as setting you up what the day has in store.

AAPNews Morning Wire
AAPNews Breaking News
Breaking News

Be the first to know when major breaking news happens.


Notifications will be sent to your device whenever a big story breaks, ensuring you are never in the dark when the talking points happen.

Focused Content

Enjoy the best of AAP’s specialised Topics in Focus. AAP has reporters dedicated to bringing you hard news and feature content across a range of specialised topics including Environment, Agriculture, Future Economies, Arts and Refugee Issues.

AAPNews Focussed Content
Subscription Plans

Choose the plan that best fits your needs. AAPNews offers two basic subscriptions, all billed monthly.

Once you sign up, you will have seven days to test out the service before being billed.

AAPNews Full Access Plan
Full Access
AU$10
  • Enjoy all that AAPNews has to offer
  • Access to breaking news notifications and bulletins
  • Includes access to all AAPNews’ specialised topics
Join Now
AAPNews Student Access Plan
Student Access
AU$5
  • Gain access via a verified student email account
  • Enjoy all the benefits of the ‘Full Access’ plan at a reduced rate
  • Subscription renews each month
Join Now
AAPNews Annual Access Plan
Annual Access
AU$99
  • All the benefits of the 'Full Access' subscription at a discounted rate
  • Subscription automatically renews after 12 months
Join Now

AAPNews also offers enterprise deals for businesses so you can provide an AAPNews account for your team, organisation or customers. Click here to contact AAP to sign-up your business today.

SEVEN DAYS FREE
Download the app
Download AAPNews on the App StoreDownload AAPNews on the Google Play Store