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The Brisbane squad overcame a valiant Sydney team recovery to secure their fourth NRLW premiership with a close victory in a see-sawing and hard-fought grand final characterized by hard hits and a confrontation at the final whistle.

Debated Decisive Try Seals Victory

The Brisbane side were lucky in having the crucial, game-deciding try given by the bunker, after Mele Hufanga appeared to be held up by Roosters defenders and Olivia Kernick. With just four minutes remaining, the Brisbane player – who was awarded player of the match – grounded the ball to propel her side into the lead. Although the try was given, the footage was open to interpretation.

“Wow, the team really put in all year for that,” Tamika Upton remarked. “We relaxed at midway. The Sydney fought back like the title-holders they are, but full of pride of the girls, especially our young ones stepping up.”

Roosters Winning Spree Broken

The result halted an impressive unbeaten run from the Sydney side, who had also claimed their previous five games against the Brisbane. After a clunky opening period, the minor premiers faced a 12-point deficit. But they responded into the second half, when fullback Brydie Parker penetrated the Brisbane line to score a spectacular try immediately after a restart.

Nail-Biting Change

Seconds earlier, Brisbane outside back Hayley Maddick was centimeters away from an turnover that would have put her team up comfortably ahead. But she fumbled of it, and the restart changed the momentum in an flash. Within five minutes, the trailing team were level after Lopamaua held three Broncos at bay to touch down.

Late Drama

The Sydney side then took the lead by a sharp unexpected attack orchestrated by a playmaker and Jess Sergis, and completed by Wood in the edge. They survived a scare almost immediately afterwards, when Broncos centre Robinson picked up a fumble from the opposition. But the review system brought play back the call, much to the disappointment of the majority of Broncos fans.

Supporters were satisfied not long after though a Broncos player crossed with under 10 minutes to go. A missed kick left the trailing side maintaining a narrow lead, until Mele went over to seal the victory for the winners.

Determined Roosters Captain

“When you look at our squad and the difficulties and the resilience that we’ve developed this year with so many absences to important members, I’m extremely proud that the result was as close as it was because we just dug so deep and we did everything we could for each other.”

Injury Issues

They lost star Aiken to a ACL problem three weeks ago, and faced a blow before the game had even commenced. Naividi the winger injured her ACL at Saturday’s run-through, leading to a roster switch. Mia Wood shifted from the reserves onto the wing.

Strategic Masterstroke

But that was not the only adjustment. Head coach the coach opted to start the hooker at hooker and Jada Ferguson from the bench. The move looked a brilliant move 29 minutes in when Jada Ferguson scored from a close-range effort for her team’s next score.

Historic Triumph

Since becoming coach in the previous season, Prince has helped redirect the team back towards the top of the NRLW. The game also had personal significance, marking 20 years’ since his best on ground performance in the premiership decider for the another team. But his impact to the Broncos could be more impactful. Their triumph on game day was their first premiership since 2020, and solidified their position as the nation’s top female team.