Sydney Roosters forward Aliyah Nasio will miss the start of the 2026 NRLW season following a four-match suspension for punching Brisbane star Julia Robinson in a controversial conclusion to the women’s grand final.
The 19-year-old’s ban is tied for the longest in NRLW history, matching the four-match suspension given to Eels forward Kennedy Cherrington for a spear tackle in 2023.
The teen prop pleaded guilty to striking during a tribunal hearing on Tuesday night but was unsuccessful in having the charge downgraded from a grade three, despite arguing she was retaliating out of fear while surrounded by seven Broncos players as the full-time siren sounded.
The incident in the dramatic closing moments left Robinson with a broken nose and a deviated septum – injuries that, according to a medical report from the Broncos’ doctor, will require surgery in December, the Daily Telegraph reports.
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During the fracas, the Jillaroos star was punched twice in the face after a confrontation between Nasio and Broncos five-eighth Gayle Broughton, who grabbed the Roosters forward and sparked the fight.
The dramatic brawl overshadowed what was widely hailed as the NRLW’s finest grand final, with Brisbane claiming a 22-18 victory over the defending champions.
As a result of the suspension, the teenager is set to miss at least one game for Tonga at the Pacific Championships, as well as the start of next year’s NRLW season, which has yet to be scheduled.
Selected in Tonga’s squad for their clash against the Cook Islands in Papua New Guinea on October 25, Nasio will, however, miss the team’s opening match.