NZ Warriors Face Third Suspension in NRLW as Playoffs Loom

The NZ Warriors are grappling with a third suspension for tackle offences as they strive for an NRLW playoff position during their comeback season. After front-rower Matekino Gray and centre Tysha Ikenasio received multi-week bans for infractions against the Canberra Raiders, lock Laishon Albert-Jones has joined them on the sidelines for their upcoming match against the St George-Illawarra Dragons on Saturday.

Albert-Jones, 27, accepted a two-week standdown after pleading guilty to a careless high tackle on Cronulla Sharks front-rower Stephanie Faulkner, marking her second offence of the season. She had previously received a warning for a similar incident against the Canterbury Bulldogs in Round 6. The suspensions come at a critical time, as the Warriors aim to secure a playoff spot, currently sitting seventh, just two points away from the top six with three games remaining.

Last week, Warriors coach Ron Griffiths acknowledged the team’s tackling issues following the dismissals of Gray and Ikenasio. Gray was sent off for tipping an opponent beyond the horizontal, while Ikenasio was penalised for a ‘hipdrop’ tackle. Their early exits left the team down by two players for nearly 50 minutes, yet they managed to close the gap, ultimately losing by just four points.

Gray, 20, is serving the second week of her two-game suspension against the Dragons, while Ikenasio, 27, faces an additional week on the sidelines due to her three-game ban. Griffiths commented on Gray’s performance, stating, “We ask [Gray] for one or two things in the middle. One of them is to impose herself on the middle defensive and she certainly does that.” He noted that although Gray’s aggression sometimes leads to issues, it does not stem from foul play.

The issue of dangerous tackles has been a focus in rugby league, particularly since the serious injury of Alex McKinnon in 2014, which left the player paralysed. The ‘hipdrop’ tackle has gained notoriety in the sport, often resulting in severe injuries, as it involves the tackling player applying their body weight onto the legs of the player being tackled. Griffiths explained that the NRLW had conducted a review with coaches regarding tackle techniques at the start of the season, which highlighted the need for ongoing improvements in tackling methods.

In a concerning outcome from Ikenasio’s tackle, Raiders forward Monalisa Soliola will miss the rest of the season due to injury. Griffiths expressed regret over the incident, saying, “It’s unfortunate. We’re still trying to teach her how to tackle out there, and it’s a valuable lesson that we’ll all learn.”

Ikenasio, who was a travelling reserve for the champion Black Ferns Sevens at the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics, along with many teammates, is transitioning from a rugby union background, where tackling techniques differ slightly. “Some of these ladies haven’t played from U7s through to first grade,” Griffiths remarked, adding that they are learning one-on-one tackling scenarios.

Albert-Jones, the niece of Warriors legend Stacey Jones, has a wealth of experience in the sport, including tests for the Kiwi Ferns and an NRLW premiership under Griffiths at Newcastle. Her recent offence involved a shoulder to the head of Faulkner, who successfully passed a head assessment and went on to score a decisive try in a 22-14 victory for Cronulla. During her time in the sin bin, Cronulla capitalised on the opportunity, scoring a penalty goal and a converted try.

As the Warriors continue to navigate the challenges of their season, the focus remains on improving their discipline and securing a playoff position. With the stakes high and only three matches left in the regular season, the team will need to make every moment count on the field.