NZ Warriors Face Discipline Challenge Amid NRLW Playoff Push

The NZ Warriors have encountered further challenges in their NRLW campaign, with the suspension of lock Laishon Albert-Jones adding to their disciplinary woes. This latest setback comes as the team fights for a playoff position in their comeback season, currently sitting just outside the top six with three matches remaining.

Albert-Jones, 27, has accepted a two-week suspension following an early guilty plea for a careless high tackle on Cronulla Sharks front-rower Stephanie Faulkner. This incident marks her second offence this season, having received a warning earlier for a similar infringement against Canterbury Bulldogs in Round 6. She will join teammates Matekino Gray and Tysha Ikenasio on the sidelines when the Warriors face the St George-Illawarra Dragons on March 30, 2024.

Gray, a 20-year-old front-rower, is currently serving the second week of her two-match ban after being sent off for a dangerous tackle against the Canberra Raiders last week. Ikenasio, 27, is also facing extended time away from the field, with a three-match suspension following her own ‘hipdrop’ tackle. Coach Ron Griffiths acknowledged the tackling issues his team has faced, particularly in last week’s match where both Gray and Ikenasio left the field, leaving the Warriors down two players for nearly 50 minutes. Despite the adversity, the team managed to narrow the deficit to just four points.

Griffiths remarked on Gray’s aggressive playing style, 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. It definitely went wrong, but while she’s aggressive, it’s never foul play.” The coach emphasized that Gray is committed to her role and was distressed after the match.

The issue of dangerous tackles has become increasingly relevant in rugby league, particularly since the infamous incident in 2014 that left Newcastle Knights forward Alex McKinnon paralysed. The ‘hipdrop’ tackle, which has gained notoriety in recent seasons, involves a player placing their weight onto the legs of the tackled player, often resulting in serious injuries. Griffiths noted that the NRLW has been proactive in educating coaches about proper tackling techniques to mitigate such risks.

Echoing the sentiment of responsibility, Griffiths stated, “You won’t meet a better person [than Ikenasio], and she was very, very upset over causing an injury to someone else.” Ikenasio’s tackle resulted in Raiders forward Monalisa Soliola being ruled out for the remainder of the season due to injury.

As the Warriors navigate this challenging phase, they are also managing a roster that includes players transitioning from rugby union backgrounds. Griffiths highlighted the learning curve faced by these athletes, saying, “Some of these ladies haven’t played from U7s through to first grade. They could be in their third year of rugby league or even less, so we’re teaching them how to tackle in a one-on-one scenario.”

Albert-Jones, a seasoned player with a notable history in the game, has been a key figure for the Warriors, having previously played for the Kiwi Ferns and won an NRLW premiership under Griffiths at Newcastle. Her absence will be felt as the team looks to solidify their playoff aspirations. Following her suspension, she is being replaced in the lineup by Makayla Eli, who made her NRLW debut against the Gold Coast Titans last month.

As the Warriors aim to secure a spot in the playoffs, they find themselves in a competitive landscape, currently sitting seventh on the ladder, just two points behind the top six. The upcoming matches will be crucial for the team as they look to build momentum and overcome their recent disciplinary challenges.