🔗 Share this article

The Brisbane Broncos prevailed over a determined Roosters recovery to win their fourth NRLW championship with a 22-18 win in a back-and-forth and intense final game characterized by sickening collisions and a scuffle at the end.

Disputed Match-Winning Try Secures Victory

The Brisbane side were fortunate in having the pivotal, match-winning try given by the video referee, after Mele Hufanga seemed to be held up by Roosters defenders and another defender. With just four minutes on the clock, the Broncos centre – who was honoured as best on ground – grounded the ball to push her side into the lead. Although the try was confirmed, the slow motion replay was far from conclusive.

“Fuck, the team really dedicated all campaign for that,” she said. “We got a bit comfortable at the break. The Sydney fought back like the champion team they are, but full of pride of the players, notably our young ones rising to the occasion.”

Minor Premiers Run Ended

The outcome halted an lengthy winning streak from the Sydney side, who had also won their last five games against the their rivals. After a uneven opening period, the minor premiers faced a two-try shortfall. But they awoke 10 minutes the remainder, when fullback Brydie Parker scythed through the Broncos defence to score a long-range try direct from a scrum play.

Nail-Biting Turnaround

Seconds before, Brisbane outside back Hayley Maddick was centimeters away from an interception that would have put the Broncos up by three scores. But she lost possession of it, and the set piece changed the momentum in an flash. Within a short time, the trailing team were level after a Roosters player held three Broncos at bay to touch down.

Final Action

The Sydney side then took the lead by a sharp unexpected attack orchestrated by Brill and her teammate, and completed by the winger in the edge. They survived a threat soon after later, when Broncos centre Julia Robinson capitalized on a handling error from the Sydney. But the review system disallowed the call, much to the annoyance of the majority of followers.

The crowd were elated later however a Broncos player crossed with limited time to go. A missed kick left the trailing side clinging to a small lead, until the centre went over to confirm the win for the Broncos.

Resilient Roosters Captain

“When you consider our team and the adversity and the resilience that we’ve cultivated this year with so many injuries to key players, I’m extremely proud that the result was as close as it was because we just dug so deep and we did everything we could for the team.”

Availability Issues

They lost playmaker their half to a long-term issue earlier ago, and faced a blow before the match had even commenced. Naividi Naividi tore her ACL at Saturday’s training session, forcing a roster switch. Wood moved from the reserves onto the flank.

Strategic Genius

But that was not the only switch. Brisbane coach the coach decided to start the hooker at number 9 and a substitute from the interchange. The move looked a smart play in the first period in when the substitute scored from a quick play for her side’s next score.

Memorable Success

After becoming coach in the previous season, Prince has guided the team back towards the top of the women's competition. This match also had personal significance, commemorating 20 years’ since his man of the match performance in the premiership decider for the another team. But his impact to the Brisbane could be even greater. The Broncos’ win on Sunday was their first premiership since 2020, and confirmed their position as the league’s premier women’s club.