‘Incredibly careless’ incident leads to big ban for Warriors forward
Warriors forward Ivana Lauitiiti has been given a two-match ban after St George Illawarra young gun Kasey Reh was left in a “world of pain” in an ugly moment during the Dragons’ 22-18 win.
With the scores locked mid-way through the second half, Reh looked to place a high kick into enemy territory and give the Dragons strong field position.
Ivana Lauitiiti’s tackle on Kasey Reh. Nine
Reh was floored by Lauitiiti as she struck the ball, with the Warriors forward flying through and collecting the Dragons halfback’s leg.
The 20-year-old fell to the floor in agony straight away as a penalty was blown.
“The referee has got no choice and Kasey Reh is in a world of pain,” Anthony Maroon said on commentary for Nine.
Replays showed the ugly nature of the collision, which placed Reh in a dangerous and vulnerable position that has been outlawed in the NRL competitions.
“I’m not sure what happens here,” Brad Fittler said.
“She kicks the ball very late, there’s the pressure of the player and she just goes through with the kick. It’s incredibly careless, but she is pretty much on her.”
Ruan Sims explained how the situation could have been avoided and tipped that Lauitiiti was likely to spend some time off the field.
“All she has to do is angle into the body and grab at the body -- stay away from the leg. I hope Kasey is OK, but I think Lauitiiti is gonna sit down for this,” she said.
Lauitiiti was given her marching orders during the lengthy delay and Fittler believes the women’s players need further education to avoid those tackles.
“They haven’t done this enough, putting kick pressure on – they need to educate the girls on what their job is when charging down,” he said.
Lauitiiti was subsequently charged with grade two dangerous contact and risks a three-match ban if she takes it to the judiciary.
With a one-player advantage and Reh managing to stay on the field after getting her knee strapped up, the Dragons failed to capitalise and the Warriors quickly went on the attack through winger Lavinia Tauhalaliku.
She was dragged down in a tackle by Teagan Berry, who held on too long and was sin binned for a professional foul, evening the playing field.
Mele Hufanga scored the following set to give the Warriors a four-point lead at home, but Jayme Millard crossed for her second try to level the scores again.
Jayme Millard dives to score a try. Nine
Millard, who was sin binned in the second minute of the match, dived over close to the sideline and it was over to Maria Paseka to give the Red V the lead.
Her sideline conversion attempt sprayed wide, but the Saints weren’t done yet.
With just over a minute remaining, Millard was in the action again and set up the match-winning try for Tahlia O’Brien in the same corner.
It marked just the second NRLW win for the Dragons in 2026.
