NRLW Round 2 Review: Injury Woes, Dominant Debuts, and the Rise of the ‘Wah’

In the latest episode of Footy for Real, Jada Taylor and Maddie Studdon break down a high-stakes Round 2 of the NRLW, highlighting both the brilliance on the field and the harsh physical toll of a condensed season. The conversation centered on a weekend defined by emotional homecomings and breakout individual performances that are reshaping the 2025 premiership conversation.

The Injury Crisis and Physical Toll 

The episode opened on a somber note with an injury update that underscores the vulnerability of the women’s game. The hosts discussed the devastating ACL injury to Jada's teammate, Mina Hissi, and a "nasty" elbow injury to Roosters star Jamie Fresard. Taylor noted that due to the short season, injuries that might only sideline a male player for a quarter of the year often result in season-ending heartbreak for NRLW athletes. Studdon and Taylor also touched on the higher rates of knee injuries, citing physiological factors like wider-set hips and the long gaps between competitive seasons.

The Sharks’ Statement and a Fairy-Tale Debut 

The Cronulla Sharks emerged as a major talking point following their 56-6 demolition of the Raiders—a mirror image of their record-breaking scoreline from 2023. Emma Tonegato was hailed as a "freak" after crossing the line four times, but the real story was 20-year-old Steph Forner. On the same day she was promoted to the top 24 squad, Forner learned she would debut, eventually scoring two tries with a flawless defensive performance. Studdon praised her "push support," noting that Forner’s dedication to following the play resulted in a dream start to her professional career.

Warrior Spirit and Scrappy Victories 

In an emotional return to Auckland, the New Zealand Warriors shut out the Parramatta Eels 14-0. The hosts were particularly impressed by the Warriors' defense, which kept a strike-heavy Eels side to nil. Michaela Break lived up to her name, making several line breaks and proving to be a "try-scoring machine." Meanwhile, the Bulldogs ground out a tough 12-8 win over the Tigers in a "scrappy" affair marked by errors. Despite the loss, Montana Clifford was identified as a "one to watch" for her ferocious defense and meter-eating runs.

Broncos and Roosters: The Heavyweights Collide 

The Brisbane Broncos sent a warning shot to the rest of the league with a 44-4 thumping of the Titans. Taylor described the Broncos' pack as incredibly mobile, highlighted by Brie Breadbar, who uniquely shifted from lock to the wing mid-game. As the podcast looked ahead to Round 3, the hosts previewed a "clash of the titans" between the Broncos and the Roosters. While Taylor backed the Broncos’ strike power, Studdon tipped the Roosters, citing Olivia Kernick’s dominance in the middle and the "Dally M" form she has displayed early in the season.

Watch the full episode on Fanatics TV.