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The Broncos overcame a determined Roosters comeback to claim their 4th NRLW championship with a close win in a see-sawing and spiteful grand final characterized by hard hits and a shoving match at the final whistle.

Controversial Match-Winning Try Seals Victory

The Brisbane side were beneficiaries in having the crucial, championship-sealing try awarded by the review official, after the Broncos centre seemed to be held up by Jasmin Strange and another defender. With just four minutes left, the try-scorer – who was honoured as best on ground – grounded the ball to propel her side into the front. Although the try was awarded, the slow motion replay was open to interpretation.

“Fuck, the girls really put in all campaign for that,” Tamika Upton stated. “We relaxed at midway. The Roosters responded like the title-holders they are, but extremely proud of the girls, notably our young ones performing.”

Sydney Streak Ended

The result halted an lengthy winning streak from the opposition, who had also claimed their recent five encounters against the Brisbane. After a clunky initial stages, the league leaders faced a significant shortfall. But they awoke into the second half, when their custodian penetrated the Brisbane line to score a length-of-the-field try straight from a set piece.

Nail-Biting Change

Instants earlier, Maddick Hayley Maddick was a hair's breadth away from an intercept that would have put her team up 18-0. But she couldn’t keep control of it, and the restart changed the flow in an flash. Within moments, the Sydney were on equal terms after Eliza Lopamaua resisted tackles at bay to score.

Closing Drama

The opposition then put their noses in front by a sharp surprise play set up by Brill and her teammate, and finished by Mia Wood in the sideline. They survived a scare almost immediately afterwards, when Robinson Robinson seized a mistake from the Sydney. But the bunker brought play back the decision, much to the annoyance of the majority of followers.

Supporters were rewarded later though Sauaso crossed with limited time to go. A missed kick left the Roosters maintaining a two point lead, until Hufanga crossed to secure the triumph for the winners.

Resilient Kelly

“When you look at our team and the challenges and the resilience that we’ve cultivated this year with so many setbacks to key players, I’m so proud that the outcome was competitive because we just dug so deep and we did everything we could for one another.”

Injury Challenges

They lost key attacker Tarryn Aiken to a ACL problem three weeks ago, and endured a setback before the game had even commenced. Outside back Naividi tore her ACL at the day before practice, leading to a late change. Wood was promoted from the bench onto the flank.

Strategic Masterstroke

But that was not the only adjustment. Brisbane coach Scott Prince decided to start Destiny Brill at dummy-half and Jada Ferguson from the reserves. The decision looked a smart play 29 minutes in when Ferguson scored from a dummy half scurry for her side’s next score.

Historic Achievement

Since becoming coach in recently, Prince has guided the Broncos back towards the pinnacle of the league. This clash also had special meaning, celebrating 20 years’ since his best on ground display in the men's decider for the his former club. But his influence to the Brisbane could be more impactful. Their win on game day was their first premiership since 2020, and solidified their position as the country’s premier NRLW side.