Kennedy Cherrington has learned her fate at the judiciary, after the Parramatta Eels forward was sent off for a spear tackle during her side's clash with Newcastle.
The 24-year-old was given her marching orders in the 43rd minute of the Eels' 38-4 defeat at the hands of the Knights after lifting Laishon Albert-Jones and dropping the opposition forward on her head.
NRLW star Kennedy Cherrington suspended for spear tackle
The Parramatta co-captain was referred directly to the judiciary for her tackle for which Cherrington was clearly remorseful about.
She apologised for the mishap straight away but will still face a significant amount of time on the sidelines for the incident after being hit with a grade three dangerous throw charge.
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Cherrington fronted the judiciary panel on Tuesday night after accepting the grading (Grade 3) for her tackle.
Watch the tackle from Kennedy Cherrington below.
Cherrington was sent off in the Knights - Eels clash for this spear tackle... pic.twitter.com/lJjdeCDCLT
— Fox League (@FOXNRL) August 6, 2023
All that was left for the panel to determine was the length of time Cherrington would have to serve with the ban subsequently set at four matches.
"This is not a case of intentional or reckless contact," Cherrington's defence tried to argue as they sought a penalty of two to three matches.
However, the NRL successfully fought for a four-match ban for the tackle.
"This is becoming a notorious tackle, it has been widely viewed," NRL legal counsel Lachlan Gyles, SC, said.
"It is important that the tribunal sends a clear message to other players and anything less than a hefty penalty won’t be a sufficient deterrent.
"We accept that the player has pleaded guilty, she deserves credit for that, she apologised immediately after the incident and she is of good character.
"We would expect nothing less than four weeks."
Stemming from the same game, Caitlan Johnston was hit with a grade two careless high tackle charge and will miss one game for the Knights.
Who is Kennedy Cherrington?
Cherrington is a lock-forward from the Parramatta Eels, who has also represented NSW in the State of Origin arena.
She grew up in Perth and is cousins with former NRL players Anthony and Manaia Cherrington.
Cherrington previously played rugby union for NSW Waratahs and is one of the most popular players in the NRLW competition, with over 200,000 followers across Instagram and TikTok.
