Parramatta's NRLW crunch clash with Newcastle has been delayed because of a lack of paramedics at the ground.
Kick-off at the Eels' Eric Tweedale Stadium was due to take place at 11am on Saturday, but the match was unable to proceed on time without a paramedic present as required by NRL regulations.
The fixture is the first NRLW or NRL game ever hosted at the small western Sydney stadium.
Host clubs are generally responsible for booking a paramedic to be present at NRLW games.
The game between third-placed Parramatta and fifth-placed Newcastle finally got underway at 11.43am local time, almost 45 minutes behind schedule.
The delay put a spanner in the works for broadcaster Channel 9, with Saturday's second game between Canberra and North Queensland due to kick off at GIO Stadium at 12.45pm.
Back-to-back reigning premiers Newcastle ran out to a 16-0 lead in the first 15 minutes, with tries to Tamika Upton, Olivia Higgins and Lilly-Ann White.
The NRL is expected to look into the circumstances of the delay.
