Broncos superstar cops heavy ban for ugly ‘WWE toss’
Updated . First published
Broncos superstar Ali Brigginshaw has been slapped with a three-game ban after a dangerous WWE-like tackle on Bulldogs playmaker Tayla Preston.
Brigginshaw was referred straight to the NRL judiciary and was found guilty of a dangerous throw following her side’s 34-4 victory over Canterbury.
Ali Brigginshaw is pinged for an ugly tackle on Bulldogs skipper Tayla Preston. Nine
While it originally looked like she would escape on-field punishment given the unique nature of the tackle, Andrew Johns was adamant it was illegal.
“Ali Brigginshaw doing some WWE toss,” he said on Nine commentary.
“She is very lucky not to be in the bin for that one. That is a very dangerous tackle and at least a sin bin. It is very close to a send-off, too.
“This could’ve been really serious, she’s landed on her head.”
Preston stayed down on the turf holding her head, prompting the referee to come in and check on her wellbeing. Brigginshaw had already returned to the line.
Senior review official Matt Noyen was communicating with the on-field referee, who eventually called Brigginshaw over.
She was then instructed she would be heading to the sin bin.
“It is a total accident and there is no malice in the tackle, she just got her in a really awkward and dangerous position,” Johns said as Brigginshaw headed off the field.
“She is very lucky there that she didn’t get injured. She was in a really awkward position.”
The former Maroons captain will hang up the boots at the season’s end.
Brigginshaw wasn’t the only Bronco slapped with a sanction from the match review committee, with teammate Brianna Clark also hit with a one game ban for a high tackle. However, Clark has the option to pay a $400 fine instead of serving the suspension if she elects to plead guilty.
Bulldogs gun Alexis Tauaneai was also pinged for a high tackle on Bree Spreadborough but escape with a warning.
Gold Coast and Newcastle could also lose players due to careless contact, with Tayla Predebon hit with a two-game ban and Georgia Hale slapped with a one-game ban which, like Clark, can be cleared with a $400 fine.
