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The Brisbane squad overcame a valiant Sydney Roosters comeback to win their 4th NRLW championship with a close triumph in a see-sawing and intense championship match defined by physical clashes and a confrontation at the conclusion.

Disputed Decisive Try Seals Victory

The Broncos were fortunate in having the crucial, match-winning try awarded by the review official, after the Broncos centre seemed to be stopped by Jasmin Strange and another defender. With just limited time on the clock, the Broncos centre – who was named Karyn Murphy Medallist – grounded the ball to propel her side into the winning position. While the try was given, the video review was open to interpretation.

“Fuck, the players really gave all year for that,” she said. “We eased up at the break. The opposition came back like the premiership side they are, but extremely proud of the players, especially our youth performing.”

Roosters Winning Spree Ended

The result ended an lengthy winning streak from the opposition, who had also won their recent five encounters against the their rivals. After a clunky opening period, the minor premiers faced a significant deficit. But they responded 10 minutes the remainder, when fullback Brydie Parker scythed through the Brisbane line to score a spectacular try straight from a scrum play.

Dramatic Change

Instants before, Maddick Hayley Maddick was centimeters away from an interception that would have put her team up by three scores. But she fumbled of it, and the midfield scrum shifted the momentum in an flash. Within five minutes, the Roosters were tied after Lopamaua fended off multiple defenders at bay to score.

Late Drama

The Sydney side then took the lead by a clever unexpected attack created by Destiny Brill and Jess Sergis, and converted by Mia Wood in the sideline. They survived a threat almost immediately afterwards, when Robinson Julia Robinson picked up a handling error from the Sydney. But the video referee disallowed the call, much to the annoyance of many of supporters.

Those fans were rewarded not long after when Sauaso cashed over with under 10 minutes to go. A failed conversion left the Roosters hanging onto a small lead, until the centre scored to confirm the victory for the Brisbane.

Proud Leader

“When you look at our team and the adversity and the fortitude that we’ve built this year with so many absences to important members, I’m extremely proud that the score line was like because we just dug so deep and we did everything we could for each other.”

Injury Challenges

They lost playmaker Aiken to a long-term issue three weeks ago, and faced a blow before the match had even commenced. Naividi Naividi tore her ACL at Saturday’s run-through, leading to a last-minute adjustment. Mia Wood moved from the reserves onto the outside.

Tactical Genius

But that was not the only late change. Head coach the coach decided to start the hooker at number 9 and a substitute from the reserves. The tactic looked a brilliant move 29 minutes in when the substitute barged over from a dummy half scurry for her team’s additional points.

Historic Achievement

After assuming the role in 2023, Scott Prince has steered the Brisbane back towards the top of the women's competition. Sunday’s match also had special meaning, commemorating a long time since his Clive Churchill Medal-winning display in the NRL grand final for the another team. But his contribution to the Broncos could be even greater. The Broncos’ win on the day was their maiden championship since 2020, and re-asserted their status as the league’s leading women’s club.