Suspended Brisbane star Ali Brigginshaw will leave a massive void but her 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 on Sunday.
She was referred straight to the judiciary for what was deemed a grade-three offence and will miss games against Canberra (away), the Sydney Roosters (home) and Gold Coast (away).
The tackle, for which Brigginshaw was sin-binned, was described in commentary by Andrew Johns on the Nine Network as a "WWE toss".
On Tuesday night 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."
Gyles added that the actions of the veteran had the potential to cause "a catastrophic injury."
Brigginshaw appeared via video link and was represented by Reuben Carlos, who said the Bronco was attempting a one-on-one steel and highlighted her unblemished record and "extraordinary contribution to the game".
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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.
"I genuinely think she is one of the next halfbacks or sixes in the game."
Clark said there was "no malice" in the tackle.
"Ali didn't mean it," she said.
"I think she reached out to Tayla afterwards and said sorry. It is just rugby league. It is a contact sport and she got it wrong."
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 does a lot of work off the field as well so she is not just going to disappear out of the week. She will be helping and getting Georgia ready, but she leaves a big hole obviously.
"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."
