- Parramatta-Newcastle match affected by lengthy suspension
- The Eels have apologised for Saturday’s shocking mistake
Newcastle have moved back into the NRLW top four with a convincing 36-16 win over Parramatta in a clash that was bizarrely delayed by a lack of medical staff.
Kick-off at the Eels’ Eric Tweedale Stadium was due to take place at 11am on Saturday but the match could not begin without the presence of a suitably qualified paramedic, as required by NRL regulations.
When the game finally got underway at 11.43 local time, almost 45 minutes later than scheduled, the Knights were electric as they dominated the third-placed Eels.
An NRL spokesman said the delay was “due to a technical compliance issue which has been resolved with the clubs”.
The Eels said the issue was “a matter relating to the suitably qualified independent paramedics involved in the game”.
“Once the problem was identified, the club secured qualified paramedic resources and play was able to continue,” a club spokeswoman said. Nine.
‘We would like to apologise to the fans and broadcasters for the late start of the match.’
The reigning champions, who are on a two-season winning streak, are back to their best after two consecutive defeats ended their 11-match unbeaten run and saw them drop down the places.
Parramatta’s Elsie Albert (centre) brings the ball through the Newcastle defence during Saturday’s match, which was delayed for almost 45 minutes.
Officials from both teams and an NRL representative (in black jersey, centre) are pictured discussing the delay caused by the lack of medical staff.
Tries from Tamika Upton, Olivia Higgins, Lilly-Ann White and Abigail Roache saw them race into a 20-0 lead inside the first 20 minutes.
Newcastle manager Ben Jeffries was pleased with the maturity his players showed in not being worried by the delay.
“We started the match very well,” he said.
‘I’m very happy with how they responded to that.
“I think some leaders took control in that situation.”
The match was the first NRLW match to be held at the small venue in western Sydney.
Host clubs are usually responsible for booking a paramedic to be present at NRLW games.
The NRL is expected to investigate the circumstances of the delay.
The Eels threatened a comeback with three tries from Rosemarie Beckett, Mahalia Murphy and Cassey Tohi-Hiku in the space of 14 minutes, but the Knights kept their cool.
Fullback Upton shone with two try assists and a line break. She scored twice and sealed the match with a stunning 70-metre try in the final minute.
In Saturday’s second game, which started before the day’s first game had concluded, North Queensland virtually ended Canberra’s season with a 28-18 victory.
When the action finally got underway, Newcastle made short work of the Eels (pictured: Knights star Tenika Willison runs with the ball)
The Raiders’ fourth consecutive defeat means they remain stuck in eighth place and cannot reach 12 competition points (last season’s cut-off for a place in the finals).
Jasmine Peters and Vitalina Naikore scored two tries each as North Queensland led from the second minute until the final whistle.
Krystal Blackwell tormented the Raiders defense after being moved to fullback with No. 1 starter Fran Goldthorp ruled out with injury.
The 21-year-old made the play of the match, leaving the Canberra defence speechless with a stunning long-range try to give the Cowboys an eight-point lead in the 12th minute.
After the Raiders scored through Felice Quinlan and Sophie Holyman, Simaima Taufa scored five minutes from time to close the gap to a try.
But Peters’ second goal of the afternoon ended the Raiders’ nascent comeback and their hopes of making their first appearance in the finals.