A season-ending knee injury to Hannah Southwell has soured Newcastle’s strong start to the NRL Telstra Women’s Premiership with scans confirming the worst for the Knights forward.
Southwell faces a lengthy stint on the sidelines after playing on for 20 minutes with a ruptured ACL on Sunday night, which later earned praise from coach Ron Griffiths for her ability to play through the pain barrier.
The local Knights product was supposed to be in for the night of her life, making her club debut alongside younger sister Jesse, who stole the show with a player of the match performance.
Jesse was unable to see much of her sister following the game with the Knights halfback soaking in a dream NRLW debut at just 17.
“I didn’t get to shake all the Broncos girl’s hands because I got asked to do a TV interview straight after the game which was a bit annoying," Jesse Southwell told NRL.com.
Welcome to the NRLW, Jesse Southwell
"But the whole experience was pretty cool and just what the girls went out and did to win our first game. It was nice but it hasn’t sunk in. A lot of things don’t ever sink with me.
"It was super physical and I was on the edge so couldn’t imagine being in the middle."
Southwell’s right-foot step had the rugby league world talking with the teenager watching a lot of NRL players growing up while floating between league and her rugby sevens.
Knights coach Ron Griffiths and co-captain Millie Boyle grinned at Southwell’s match-winning performance, labelling the halfback as the club’s little secret.
NRLW Teams: Titans v Knights
Southwell was the last signing made by the Knights after she was successful in gaining an exemption to play below the age limit of 18.
Her other hurdle was to tell Rugby Australia of her intentions to play in the NRLW this season.
“Sevens were great about it and completely understood,” she said.
“I pledged myself to the Comm Games for the 8-10 week period and that was my sole focus.
“That’s the same here now, I want to commit to this and win a premiership. If something is open to have a go then I want to be able to do that. At my age I want to leave the door open to play any code.”
The Knights take on the Titans in round two of the NRLW on Sunday and while Southwell won’t have older sister Hannah next to her this time, she knows the side will need to improve to remain unbeaten.
Knights forward Simone Karpani will replace Hannah Southwell at lock for the clash.
“As of now we start again and prepare for the Gold Coast who will be a good side,” Jesse said.
“Anything can happen and all the sides will be better for the second round.”