The Sydney Roosters have today announced that two of its rising stars have been ruled out of the 2023 NRLW season following injuries sustained at the Australian Secondary Schools Rugby League 18 Years National Championships which were contested in Queensland last week.
Up-and-coming halfback Tavarna Papalii ruptured her ACL and MCL and will undergo surgery in the coming weeks.
It has also been confirmed that 17-year-old development player Aliyah Nasio broke her humerus during the Championships.
“It was terrific to see both Tavarna and Aliyah recognised for their strong performances during the Championships by being named in the Australian Under 18 Schoolgirls team, but we’re shattered that their NRLW campaigns have come to a premature end,” said Roosters NRLW Head Coach, John Strange.
“Tavarna captained the Australian Schoolgirls side in 2022 and we were looking forward to seeing her progression during this year’s NRLW campaign, but unfortunately she’ll be sidelined until the second half of 2024. While Aliyah’s injury rules her out for the NRLW season, she remains a chance of playing in the end of year Australian Schoolgirls tour.
“Both Tavarna and Aliyah will remain in our system during their rehabilitation, and we will continue to support them on their road to recovery,” he added.
