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The Brisbane Broncos overcame a determined Roosters recovery to secure their fourth NRLW championship with a close triumph in a see-sawing and hard-fought championship match characterized by physical clashes and a shoving match at the end.

Controversial Game-Changing Try Secures Victory

The winning team were beneficiaries in having the pivotal, game-deciding try given by the bunker, after their key player looked to be held up by Roosters defenders and another defender. With just limited time on the clock, the Broncos centre – who was honoured as Karyn Murphy Medallist – grounded the ball to send her side into the winning position. Even though the try was confirmed, the video review was far from conclusive.

“Wow, the girls really dedicated all year for that,” the fullback remarked. “We relaxed at midway. The Roosters fought back like the premiership side they are, but [I’m] so proud of the players, especially our young ones rising to the occasion.”

Sydney Run Ended

The victory broke an lengthy unbeaten run from the Sydney side, who had also secured their previous five games against the Broncos. After a slow opening period, the minor premiers faced a significant gap. But they awoke 10 minutes the remainder, when Parker scythed through the Broncos defence to score a spectacular try straight from a scrum play.

Dramatic Turnaround

Moments before, Brisbane outside back Hayley Maddick was inches away from an turnover that would have put the Broncos up by three scores. But she fumbled of it, and the restart changed the flow in an moment. Within five minutes, the Sydney were on equal terms after Lopamaua held three Broncos at bay to touch down.

Closing Excitement

The opposition then went ahead by a well-executed surprise play orchestrated by Destiny Brill and Sergis, and converted by Wood in the sideline. They endured a threat shortly afterwards, when Robinson Julia Robinson seized a fumble from the Roosters. But the review system disallowed the call, much to the annoyance of many of followers.

The crowd were satisfied later however a Broncos player cashed over with nine minutes to go. A failed conversion left the Roosters hanging onto a two point lead, until the centre crossed to seal the victory for the winners.

Proud Roosters Captain

“When you examine our squad and the challenges and the resilience that we’ve developed this year with so many absences to star performers, I’m full of pride that the score line was competitive because we just gave our all and we did anything we could for the team.”

Availability Challenges

They were without key attacker Aiken to a serious knee injury three weeks ago, and endured a problem before the game had even commenced. Naividi the winger ruptured her ACL at Saturday’s practice, forcing a late change. Mia Wood was promoted from the interchange onto the wing.

Tactical Brilliance

But that was not the only late change. Brisbane coach Scott Prince opted to field the hooker at dummy-half and Jada Ferguson from the interchange. The move looked a masterstroke 29 minutes in when Ferguson forced her way over from a close-range effort for her team’s additional points.

Memorable Triumph

Since becoming coach in 2023, Prince has guided the team back towards the summit of the NRLW. The clash also had special meaning, commemorating a long time since his Clive Churchill Medal-winning showing in the NRL grand final for the Wests Tigers. But his impact to the this team could be more impactful. Brisbane’s triumph on the day was their initial title since the previous win, and solidified their position as the nation’s premier women’s club.