Player Dramas in the NRL

Don't leave the NRLW girls out!

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/sp...t/news-story/7da0e5ed28d072c4fc09f11f251176db

A NRLW player spent Thursday night behind bars after taking police on a 200km/h chase that only ended when she crashed into a telegraph pole.

St George Illawarra prop Seriah Palepale was listed to play this weekend but has since been stood down after being charged with four criminal offences over the wild chase that allegedly unfolded in southwest Sydney on Thursday night.

The 19-year-old, who is an L-plater, faced Campbelltown Local Court on Friday where she pleaded guilty to two of charges just days after playing her first NRLW game.

Palepale pleaded guilty to driving dangerously during a police pursuit and driving with a suspended licence.

It is understood she will not contest charges of not stopping when directed by police and speeding more than 45km/h over the limit as an L-plater.

”We will be making representations to the police for the other two charges to be dropped at sentence,” Palepale’s lawyer Sam Saadat said.

According to court documents, police detected Palepale speeding in a Haval SUV while patrolling the Appin area.

Highway patrol officers began chasing the teen, who made her NRLW debut last weekend, after she failed to stop when directed.

The pursuit continued along Appin Rd where police said Palepale reached estimated speeds of 200km/h in a 90km/h zone, police documents said.

The chase finally ended near Kennedy St when the SUV crashed into a power pole while attempting to avoid road work.

Palepale was removed from the vehicle and assessed at the scene.

Remarkably, she suffered no injuries in the crash.

She was taken to Campbelltown Police Station where she was charged and refused bail.

The teen faced Campbelltown Local Court on Friday where she was granted bail by Judge Marguerite Vassall after entering the pleas.

Palepale was banned from occupying the driver’s seat of a motor vehicle or motorcycle and ordered to attend weekly counselling sessions, court records said.

A Dragons spokesman confirmed the club were aware of the incident.

“The St George Illawarra Dragons are aware that NRLW player Seriah Palepale has been charged by NSW Police following an incident overnight and appeared before the courts today,” a spokesman said.

“The club has notified the NRL integrity unit and will work closely with Seriah, the NSW Police and the NRL as the matter progresses.

“Palepale has been stood down from playing duties ahead of this weekend’s clash with Broncos.

“The club will not make any further comment at this time.”

The NRL confirmed its integrity unit were aware of the incident.

Palepale made her NRLW debut last weekend playing 23 minutes off the bench for the Dragons in their 22-18 win against the Warriors.

She had been named again on the interchange bench to take on the Broncos in Wollongong this Sunday.

Palepale only joined St George Illawarra’s top squad this year having signed with the club last year on a development contract.

The club posted an emotional Palepale being told of her impending debut last week on their social media channels.

She represented the Australian Schoolgirls side in 2024. Palepale missed the start of the season because of an ankle injury.

Palepale will return to court for sentencing on October 16.
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Impressive effort
 
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