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The Brisbane Broncos defeated a determined Roosters fightback to claim their fourth NRLW title with a close victory in a tightly contested and hard-fought championship match characterized by hard hits and a confrontation at the end.

Debated Match-Winning Try Seals Victory

The winning team were lucky in having the crucial, game-deciding try granted by the bunker, after their key player appeared to be stopped by Jasmin Strange and another defender. With just a few minutes left, the Brisbane player – who was named Karyn Murphy Medallist – placed the ball to propel her side into the winning position. While the try was confirmed, the footage was far from conclusive.

“Gee, the girls really gave all season for that,” she said. “We got a bit comfortable at half-time. The Sydney responded like the title-holders they are, but extremely proud of the players, notably our newcomers stepping up.”

Sydney Winning Spree Ended

The victory halted an lengthy victory sequence from the Sydney side, who had also claimed their last five matches against the Broncos. After a uneven first half, the league leaders faced a two-try shortfall. But they awoke 10 minutes the later stages, when Parker broke the Brisbane line to score a spectacular try straight from a set piece.

Thrilling Change

Seconds prior, Brisbane outside back Maddick was a hair's breadth away from an intercept that would have put her team up 18-0. But she lost possession of it, and the set piece flipped the impetus in an instant. Within moments, the Roosters were tied after Lopamaua held three Broncos at bay to put the ball down.

Closing Drama

The Sydney side then put their noses in front by a sharp blindside move orchestrated by Brill and Sergis, and finished by Mia Wood in the edge. They endured a scare almost immediately later, when Robinson the centre capitalized on a mistake from the Roosters. But the review system brought play back the try, much to the frustrations of many of Broncos fans.

Supporters were rewarded later when Shalom Sauaso cashed over with nine minutes to go. A failed conversion left the trailing side clinging to a small lead, until Hufanga crossed to seal the triumph for the Broncos.

Determined Roosters Captain

“When you consider our squad and the adversity and the toughness that we’ve developed this year with so many setbacks to key players, I’m full of pride that the score line was like because we just fought hard and we did all we could for the team.”

Availability Setbacks

They were without star Aiken to a long-term issue earlier ago, and suffered a problem before the game had even begun. Naividi the winger tore her ACL at the final training session, leading to a last-minute adjustment. Mia Wood was promoted from the interchange onto the wing.

Strategic Brilliance

But that was not the only late change. Mentor Prince chose to start Brill at hooker and Jada Ferguson from the reserves. The tactic looked a masterstroke in the first period in when Ferguson barged over from a dummy half scurry for her team’s additional points.

Historic Success

Since assuming the role in recently, Prince has helped redirect the team back towards the summit of the league. The game also had personal significance, marking two decades since his Clive Churchill Medal-winning performance in the NRL grand final for the Wests Tigers. But his influence to the Broncos could be even greater. The Broncos’ win on Sunday was their first premiership since 2020, and confirmed their position as the league’s top women’s club.