Isabelle Kelly Hospitalised with Suspected Broken Jaw in Sydney Roosters’ NRLW Victory Over Cowboys
Townsville, Australia – August 30, 2025 – In a bittersweet turn during the Sydney Roosters’ dominant 30-0 win over the North Queensland Cowboys in the NRLW, captain Isabelle Kelly was rushed to hospital with a suspected broken jaw after a nasty collision. The injury, which occurred midway through the second half, has cast a shadow over the Roosters’ unbeaten season, potentially sidelining their star centre and NSW Origin skipper for the remainder of the regular season and playoffs. Despite the setback, the Roosters extended their winning streak to 15 games, remaining atop the ladder with just two rounds left before finals.
Kelly, a foundational player for the Roosters since the NRLW’s inception and the competition’s Dally M points leader, was making a tackle on Cowboys winger Fran Goldthorp when she copped an accidental elbow to the face. The 28-year-old collapsed in agony, clutching her jaw as trainers rushed to her aid. She walked off the field slowly but reportedly collapsed again in the tunnel from the pain, prompting an ambulance to transport her to a local hospital for scans. Nine commentator Johnathan Thurston described the scene as “devastating,” noting the “traumatic mechanism” of the elbow striking her jaw directly.
Roosters medical staff’s initial diagnosis points to a fracture, which, if confirmed, would sideline Kelly for 4-8 weeks—meaning she could miss the grand final on October 5. The incident happened during Kelly’s milestone 50th NRLW game, adding to the heartbreak for the team and fans. Coach John Strange expressed concern post-match, praising Kelly’s toughness but emphasizing the need for her to prioritize recovery. “Issy’s our leader, and to see her go down like that is gut-wrenching, but the girls stepped up and got the job done,” Strange said.
The Match: Roosters’ Dominant Performance Despite the Drama
The top-of-the-table clash at Queensland Country Bank Stadium started competitively, with the Cowboys trailing just 8-0 at halftime thanks to early tries from Amber Hall and Jess Sergis. However, the Roosters exploded in the second half, scoring four unanswered tries—two from Sergis, one from Rima Butler, and another from an unspecified player—to seal a comprehensive shutout. The win keeps Sydney undefeated in 2025, two wins clear of the Brisbane Broncos with three games remaining for the second-placed side.
The Cowboys, who showed promise early, were hampered by injuries of their own, including a knee issue for Emma Manzelmann and a shoulder concern for Vessey Whitfeld, both occurring in the second half. Despite the loss, coach Ricky Henry noted his team’s resilience: “We started strong, but they pulled away. Injuries hurt us, but we’ll regroup for the run home.”
Kelly’s Stellar Season and Legacy
Kelly, a three-time Dally M Centre of the Year winner and NSW Blues captain, has been instrumental in the Roosters’ unbeaten run. She led New South Wales to victory in the 2025 State of Origin series and was named Player of the Match in the opener. Her career milestones include captaining the Jillaroos to the 2017 World Cup and being the inaugural Women’s Golden Boot winner in 2018. Known for her resilience—having played through a dislocated elbow in the 2024 playoffs and a throat injury in 2023 Origin that required hospitalization—Kelly’s absence would be a massive blow, but her leadership has already inspired the squad.
The Roosters face the Canberra Raiders next, a team that just snapped a 10-game home losing streak with a golden-point win over the Wests Tigers. Despite the injury concerns, Sydney remains favorites to claim back-to-back premierships, with depth players like Sergis and Tarryn Aiken stepping up.
Fan and League Reactions
Social media erupted with support for Kelly, with hashtags like #GetWellIssy trending on X. Fans praised her toughness: “Kelly’s a warrior—praying for a quick recovery so she can lead the Roosters to glory.” The NRLW has faced scrutiny over player safety, with calls for stricter rules on high tackles following similar incidents, but officials confirmed the elbow was accidental and no charges are expected.
Scan results are expected early next week, with the Roosters expressing optimism that Kelly’s grit—fueled by personal motivations like honoring her late mother’s love for rugby league—will see her return if possible. The league and club have sent well-wishes, underscoring Kelly’s status as a trailblazer in women’s rugby league.
Sources: ABC News, 7NEWS, Nine.com.au, Yahoo News, Roosters.com.au, Sydney Morning Herald, Wikipedia, Daily Mail, NRL.com