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The Brisbane Broncos defeated a spirited Roosters recovery to claim their 4th NRLW premiership with a close win in a back-and-forth and hard-fought championship match defined by sickening collisions and a scuffle at the conclusion.

Disputed Match-Winning Try Seals Victory

The winning team were fortunate in having the crucial, game-deciding try awarded by the review official, after their key player looked to be held up by Jasmin Strange and Olivia Kernick. With just limited time left, the try-scorer – who was named Karyn Murphy Medallist – placed the ball to push her side into the front. While the try was awarded, the footage was far from conclusive.

“Gee, the players really dedicated all season for that,” the fullback remarked. “We eased up at midway. The Roosters came back like the premiership side they are, but [I’m] so proud of the girls, especially our youth performing.”

Sydney Run Broken

The victory ended an lengthy unbeaten run from the opposition, who had also secured their previous five games against the Brisbane. After a uneven initial stages, the minor premiers faced a 12-point gap. But they awoke 10 minutes the later stages, when their custodian penetrated the Brisbane line to score a length-of-the-field try straight from a set piece.

Nail-Biting Turnaround

Seconds earlier, Brisbane outside back the winger was a hair's breadth away from an interception that would have put Brisbane up 18-0. But she couldn’t keep control of it, and the midfield scrum flipped the momentum in an flash. Within moments, the trailing team were tied after a Roosters player resisted tackles at bay to put the ball down.

Closing Action

The Sydney side then took the lead by a clever blindside move set up by Brill and Sergis, and converted by Mia Wood in the sideline. They endured a threat soon after following, when Brisbane attacker the centre seized a mistake from the Roosters. But the video referee disallowed the try, much to the disappointment of tens of thousands of Broncos fans.

Those fans were elated soon after when a Broncos player cashed over with under 10 minutes to go. A unsuccessful attempt left the trailing side hanging onto a narrow lead, until Hufanga scored to secure the win for the Brisbane.

Proud Roosters Captain

“When you look at our squad and the difficulties and the fortitude that we’ve developed this year with so many setbacks to important members, I’m so proud that the outcome was competitive because we just fought hard and we did anything we could for one another.”

Fitness Challenges

They missed key attacker Aiken to a serious knee injury earlier ago, and faced a problem before the contest had even started. Naividi Naividi injured her ACL at the final training session, leading to a late change. the substitute was promoted from the interchange onto the flank.

Strategic Genius

But that was not the only late change. Brisbane coach the coach opted to field the hooker at dummy-half and Ferguson from the interchange. The tactic looked a smart play 29 minutes in when Jada Ferguson forced her way over from a quick play for her team’s next score.

Historic Success

Since assuming the role in recently, Scott Prince has steered the Brisbane back towards the pinnacle of the league. This match also had individual importance, marking a long time since his best on ground performance in the men's decider for the his former club. But his contribution to the Brisbane could be more impactful. The Broncos’ victory on Sunday was their maiden championship since 2020, and confirmed their position as the country’s top women’s club.