NRLW Casualty Ward: Lofipo sidelined in Samoa blow

Titans and Samoa star Sienna Lofipo has confirmed she is out of the Rugby League World Cup after suffering a broken jaw.

Lofipo was visibly distressed when she left the field in the Gold Coast's preliminary final with Brisbane after copping an accidental knee to the face as she tried to make a low tackle and has since undergone surgery. 

The 21-year-old was expected to line up for Samoa in the upcoming Rugby League World Cup, but will instead be supporting her team from the sidelines.

Lofipo spoke about her recovery timeframe after accepting the player of the year award alongside Teagan Levi for the Titans, joining the end-of-season ceremony 36-hours after surgery.

“Recovery looks like six-to-eight weeks … three months no contact sport, which is sad for the World Cup," Lofipo said.

“But that's footy at the end of the day, this happens.

“I will still try to be around the squad 100%, I'm still trying to be on board in camps and be part of the campaign, so that'll hopefully go to plan.”

It was a tough afternoon for the Titans at Cbus Super Stadium on Sunday with fullback Lily Patston also failing her HIA, ruling her out of the game. 

Patston left the field in the second half for a HIA and was assessed as a Category 1, ruling her out of the rest of the match.

In Saturday's final, Roosters winger Jayme Fressard faces a nervous wait to prove her fitness for the NRLW Grand Final after injuring her shoulder in Saturday's win over Canberra. 

The 29-year-old was playing her first match since suffering a hand injury in Round 8 and scored an early try but the game quickly took a turn. 

Fressard injured her shoulder late in the first half and did not return to the field after the break as the Roosters held off the Raiders to punch their ticket in next Sunday's grand final.

Coach John Strange said the winger will require scans to determine the extent of the injury. 

"She'll go for scans [Sunday] on the shoulder and we'll see," Strange said. 

"She's pretty positive but we'll see what it comes back with. It looks like an AJ joint injury at the moment but we'll see what happens and if she's good to play. 

"If it's a matter of playing through pain then we won't be able to keep her off the field but if it's about the structural integrity of it then we'll have to have a look at that."

Broncos forward Bree Spreadborough suffered a lower leg fracture against the Knights and will miss the remainder of the season.

Spreadborough had to be assisted from the field by Broncos trainers in the 28th minute at Totally Workwear Stadium with an injury to the same leg she broke in Round 5 last season.

That injury ended her 2025 campaign but she fought back strongly in 2026 to play every match for the defending premiers.

At this stage, surgery is not required however the 27-year-old will miss this week's preliminary final against the Titans and a potential grand final if the Broncos can progress.

The Titans have confirmed a collarbone injury to centre Phoenix-Raine Hippi, who played just 14 minutes against the Knights in the final round of the regular season.

Hippi was sent for scans and despite the benefit of a week off before the club's preliminary final against the Broncos, has been unable to recover in time. A further medical follow-up to determine her future availability.