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The Brisbane Broncos overcame a valiant Roosters fightback to claim their 4th NRLW championship with a close win in a back-and-forth and intense final game characterized by sickening collisions and a shoving match at the final whistle.

Controversial Decisive Try Seals Victory

The winning team were beneficiaries in having the crucial, championship-sealing try given by the review official, after Mele Hufanga appeared to be held up by Roosters defenders and another defender. With just limited time on the clock, the try-scorer – who was awarded player of the match – grounded the ball to send her side into the front. Although the try was confirmed, the footage was not definitive.

“Fuck, the players really dedicated all campaign for that,” she said. “We got a bit comfortable at the break. The Sydney responded like the title-holders they are, but full of pride of the team, especially our youth rising to the occasion.”

Roosters Run Broken

The victory halted an lengthy victory sequence from the opposition, who had also secured their previous five encounters against the Brisbane. After a clunky opening period, the minor premiers faced a 12-point deficit. But they awoke 10 minutes the later stages, when their custodian penetrated the opposition defense to score a long-range try immediately after a set piece.

Thrilling Momentum Shift

Instants earlier, Maddick Maddick was inches away from an turnover that would have put the Broncos up comfortably ahead. But she couldn’t keep control of it, and the midfield scrum changed the momentum in an moment. Within a short time, the Roosters were tied after Eliza Lopamaua resisted tackles at bay to put the ball down.

Closing Drama

The Roosters then put their noses in front by a sharp unexpected attack set up by a playmaker and her teammate, and completed by Wood in the sideline. They survived a threat soon after later, when Brisbane attacker Julia Robinson seized a mistake from the Roosters. But the video referee overturned the decision, much to the annoyance of many of Broncos fans.

Supporters were rewarded not long after however Sauaso cashed over with nine minutes to go. A failed conversion left the trailing side clinging to a small lead, until Mele scored to seal the triumph for the winners.

Determined Kelly

“When you consider our squad and the adversity and the resilience that we’ve built this year with so many absences to star performers, I’m extremely proud that the score line was like because we just fought hard and we did anything we could for the team.”

Injury Setbacks

They missed star Tarryn Aiken to a ACL problem three weeks ago, and endured a problem before the match had even commenced. Outside back Taina Naividi injured her ACL at the final training session, leading to a late change. Mia Wood shifted from the reserves onto the outside.

Tactical Brilliance

But that was not the only adjustment. Mentor Scott Prince opted to field the hooker at number 9 and Jada Ferguson from the interchange. The move looked a masterstroke late in the half in when Jada Ferguson scored from a quick play for her side’s additional points.

Historic Achievement

After assuming the role in the previous season, Prince has helped redirect the team back towards the pinnacle of the league. Sunday’s clash also had personal significance, celebrating 20 years’ since his man of the match performance in the men's decider for the another team. But his contribution to the Brisbane could be even greater. The Broncos’ win on Sunday was their initial title since 2020, and solidified their status as the league’s premier NRLW side.