Post-Match Mayhem: Roosters’ Nasio in Hot Water After Fiery Brawl
Sydney Roosters second-rower Aliyah Nasio has been referred directly to the NRLW judiciary after being charged with a grade-three striking offence stemming from a post-match brawl in Sunday’s grand final. The incident occurred after the final siren of a dramatic 22-18 victory by the Brisbane Broncos over the Roosters, marking the Broncos’ first NRLW title since 2020.
Tensions flared following the final whistle, with players from both sides clashing in a heated confrontation. Nasio was singled out by the match review committee for allegedly landing a punch on Broncos centre Julia Robinson during the melee. Despite multiple players appearing to be involved in the scuffle, Nasio was the only one charged, and now faces a possible suspension that could see her miss the start of the 2026 season.
The incident followed a controversial moment in the dying stages of the match, where Nasio was involved in a high tackle on Broncos captain Ali Brigginshaw, further fuelling tempers on the field. Broncos coach Scott Prince expressed disappointment over the brawl, labelling it unacceptable behaviour. “It’s not ideal from our point of view. There’s no place in the game for that,” Prince said.
However, ARL Commission chair Peter V’landys took a more lenient stance, stating he had “no concerns whatsoever” and praised the intensity of the players. “I love passion,” V’landys commented.
While the judiciary now prepares to review Nasio’s actions, the fallout from the grand final has cast a shadow over what was otherwise a thrilling end to the NRLW season.
