Title: Brisbane NRLW Player Ashleigh Werner Pleads Not Guilty to Biting Incident
Brisbane NRLW winger, Ashleigh Werner, has pleaded not guilty to allegations of biting Sydney Roosters counterpart, Jayme Fressard, during their recent match. Werner will face the NRL judiciary in Sydney on Tuesday night to address the charges.
The incident occurred during the Broncos’ match against the Roosters when Werner was sent off for an alleged biting incident. Fressard claims she was bitten during a tackle where her arm made contact with Werner’s head and mouth. Following a review by the bunker, Werner was subsequently expelled from the game.
To ensure a thorough investigation, the NRL match review committee referred Werner directly to the judiciary. This marks the first time in NRLW history that a player has been sent off for an alleged biting incident, highlighting the severity of the allegations.
In an attempt to provide context, it is worth noting that last year another player, Madison Bartlett, was suspended for one game due to a biting incident. This case could serve as a precedent for handling similar incidents within the NRLW.
Broncos coach Scott Prince has suggested that Fressard may have mistaken the contact with Werner’s teeth as a bite. However, he acknowledged the importance of examining any potential marks on Fressard’s arm to validate her claim.
Roosters coach John Strange has cited the presence of “teeth marks” on Fressard’s arm as evidence supporting the biting allegations. This observation further intensifies the investigation and increases the significance of the incident.
Despite the allegations, Werner’s Broncos teammate, Romy Teitzel, expressed her support for Werner, asserting that the incident is out of character for her. Teitzel hopes that Werner will be able to continue playing and bounce back from the incident.
As the NRL judiciary prepares to scrutinize the evidence and testimonies, the outcome of Werner’s hearing will have consequences not only for the players involved but also for the league’s stance on such incidents. Both teams will be waiting eagerly for the verdict and subsequent actions taken by the NRL.
The NRL remains committed to maintaining a zero-tolerance approach towards any form of misconduct, emphasizing the importance of fair play and player safety. The outcome of Werner’s case will undoubtedly set the tone for disciplinary actions in the future.
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