AAP
SUSPENDED Brisbane Broncos star Ali Brigginshaw will leave a massive void, but replacement Georgia Bartlett has been backed to do the veteran playmaker proud.
Five-eighth Brigginshaw, 36, was handed a three-week ban for her dangerous tackle on Canterbury half Tayla Preston in the Broncos’ 34-4 win during the NRLW’s Magic Round in Wagga Wagga.
She was referred straight to the judiciary for what was deemed a grade-three offence and will miss games against Canberra (28-4 loss), the Sydney Roosters (home) and Gold Coast (away).
At the judiciary hearing, NRL counsel Lachlan Gyles said Brigginshaw did not make a meaningful attempt to bring Preston safely to the ground.
“The risk of injury was high,” he said. “Preston’s head made direct contact with the turf while in a highly vulnerable position with a limited ability to protect herself.”
Mr Gyles added that the actions of the veteran had the potential to cause “a catastrophic injury”.
It is uncharted territory for Brisbane without their four-time title-winning spiritual leader, who has played 61 consecutive games since debuting in 2018.
“I am heartbroken for her,” Broncos prop Brianna Clarke said.
“It is a tough thing for her. She hasn’t missed a game for the Broncos ever. She’s gutted and we are all behind her, but it is a big opportunity for little Georgia Bartlett to come in and show her skills.”
Bartlett, a former touch football player, has been dynamite for the Broncos in five NRL games at centre and wing and has the skillset to shine at No.6.
“She is such a strong ball runner and she can defend. She can do it all and takes everything in,” Clark said.
“Georgia has got Scott Prince, Jesse Southwell and Ali to work off.
“Ali is a leader, and a calm head and we will miss that, but I also think it is an opportunity for Georgia to step up as well.”
