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The Brisbane squad overcame a valiant Sydney Roosters fightback to claim their fourth NRLW title with a 22-18 triumph in a see-sawing and spiteful championship match defined by physical clashes and a shoving match at the end.

Debated Decisive Try Secures Victory

The Broncos were lucky in having the pivotal, championship-sealing try granted by the bunker, after the Broncos centre appeared to be stopped by Jasmin Strange and another defender. With just limited time on the clock, the try-scorer – who was awarded player of the match – placed the ball to push her side into the winning position. Even though the try was given, the video review was not definitive.

“Gee, the team really gave all campaign for that,” Tamika Upton said. “We relaxed at half-time. The Roosters came back like the champion team they are, but extremely proud of the players, especially our youth rising to the occasion.”

Roosters Winning Spree Ended

The victory broke an 18-match winning streak from the opposition, who had also secured their recent five matches against the Broncos. After a slow first half, the top-ranked team faced a significant shortfall. But they responded 10 minutes the later stages, when Parker penetrated the Broncos defence to score a spectacular try straight from a restart.

Thrilling Momentum Shift

Moments before, Maddick Hayley Maddick was inches away from an intercept that would have put the Broncos up 18-0. But she fumbled of it, and the set piece shifted the flow in an moment. Within a short time, the trailing team were tied after Lopamaua held three Broncos at bay to touch down.

Late Excitement

The opposition then went ahead by a well-executed surprise play orchestrated by Destiny Brill and Sergis, and finished by Wood in the edge. They endured a scare almost immediately later, when Broncos centre the centre picked up a mistake from the Roosters. But the review system overturned the call, much to the frustrations of tens of thousands of supporters.

The crowd were rewarded later however Shalom Sauaso scored with under 10 minutes to go. A missed kick left the Sydney maintaining a small lead, until the centre crossed to secure the victory for the winners.

Proud Kelly

“When you look at our group and the difficulties and the toughness that we’ve built this year with so many absences to key players, I’m so proud that the outcome was like because we just dug so deep and we did all we could for one another.”

Injury Issues

They were without playmaker Tarryn Aiken to a ACL problem earlier ago, and suffered a problem before the game had even started. Winger the winger ruptured her ACL at the final run-through, forcing a roster switch. Mia Wood shifted from the interchange onto the flank.

Strategic Masterstroke

But that was not the only switch. Brisbane coach Scott Prince decided to field Brill at number 9 and a substitute from the bench. The move looked a masterstroke 29 minutes in when Ferguson scored from a quick play for her side’s additional points.

Significant Triumph

Since assuming the role in recently, Prince has helped redirect the Brisbane back towards the top of the women's competition. This clash also had special meaning, celebrating two decades since his best on ground performance in the men's decider for the his former club. But his influence to the Broncos could be more significant. The Broncos’ victory on the day was their initial title since the previous win, and confirmed their status as the league’s top NRLW side.