Wests Tigers hooker Salma Nour was left sporting a crimson mask after a sickening head clash with teammate Sarah Togatuki.
In her side’s 28-16 win over the Eels in the opening round of the NRLW season, the dummy-half was spotted with blood pouring from her head in the first half.
Salma Nour clashes heads with Sarah Togatuki. Nine
Replays showed Nour had collided heads with Togatuki in an ugly moment.
“Oh wow, right on top of the noggin, friendly fire,” Cameron Smith said on Nine.
Lead commentator Anthony Maroon pointed out that colliding heads with Togatuki – one of the game’s best forwards – would only end one way.
“You’re always gonna come off second best,” Ruan Sims said in reply.
The incident was the only lowlight in a rampant half for the Tigers, who raced out to a 22-0 lead over Parramatta before the break.
Kezie Apps was among the four try-scorers for the Tigers in a stunning display, while Faythe Manera – the player who replaced Nour – also crossed.
The hosts bounced back right after half-time at CommBank Stadium, when a piece of broken play ended with Martha Mataele diving over in the corner.
But any chance of a comeback was derailed when Shaylee Bent scored in her club debut for the Tigers, putting the scoreline beyond reach.
To make matters worse, Eels prop Boss Kapua was sin binned in the dying stages for a high tackle and could face suspension.