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The Brisbane Broncos overcame a valiant Sydney Roosters fightback to claim their 4th NRLW title with a close win in a back-and-forth and intense grand final characterized by physical clashes and a scuffle at the end.

Debated Match-Winning Try Seals Victory

The Brisbane side were lucky in having the pivotal, game-deciding try given by the bunker, after Mele Hufanga seemed to be stopped by opposition players and her marker. With just four minutes remaining, the Brisbane player – who was named best on ground – grounded the ball to propel her side into the winning position. Even though the try was confirmed, the slow motion replay was far from conclusive.

“Wow, the team really dedicated all campaign for that,” she remarked. “We relaxed at midway. The Roosters fought back like the premiership side they are, but full of pride of the girls, especially our young ones rising to the occasion.”

Roosters Winning Spree Broken

The victory ended an impressive victory sequence from the opposition, who had also secured their previous five games against the their rivals. After a uneven first half, the minor premiers faced a 12-point deficit. But they finally showed life early the later stages, when fullback Brydie Parker broke the Broncos defence to score a long-range try immediately after a set piece.

Dramatic Change

Instants earlier, Broncos winger Hayley Maddick was inches away from an intercept that would have put her team up 18-0. But she lost possession of it, and the set piece shifted the momentum in an instant. Within a short time, the trailing team were level after Lopamaua resisted tackles at bay to touch down.

Closing Action

The opposition then went ahead by a clever surprise play created by Brill and Sergis, and finished by Wood in the edge. They weathered a scare shortly later, when Robinson Robinson capitalized on a fumble from the opposition. But the video referee brought play back the try, much to the frustrations of the majority of Broncos fans.

Supporters were satisfied soon after when a Broncos player crossed with nine minutes to go. A failed conversion left the Roosters clinging to a small lead, until Hufanga went over to confirm the triumph for the Brisbane.

Determined Leader

“When you look at our squad and the challenges and the toughness that we’ve built this year with so many setbacks to key players, I’m extremely proud that the outcome was competitive because we just fought hard and we did everything we could for each other.”

Fitness Issues

They missed star Tarryn Aiken to a long-term issue three weeks ago, and faced a setback before the game had even begun. Naividi Taina Naividi injured her ACL at Saturday’s training session, necessitating a last-minute adjustment. the substitute moved from the interchange onto the outside.

Tactical Masterstroke

But that was not the only adjustment. Head coach Scott Prince chose to field Brill at number 9 and Jada Ferguson from the reserves. The tactic looked a brilliant move 29 minutes in when Jada Ferguson forced her way over from a dummy half scurry for her team’s second try.

Historic Triumph

Since assuming the role in 2023, Scott Prince has steered the Broncos back towards the pinnacle of the women's competition. This match also had personal significance, celebrating two decades since his Clive Churchill Medal-winning performance in the NRL grand final for the Wests Tigers. But his impact to the this team could be more significant. Their triumph on game day was their maiden championship since 2020, and confirmed their status as the nation’s leading women’s club.