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The Brisbane squad prevailed over a determined Roosters fightback to win their fourth NRLW title with a close triumph in a back-and-forth and intense final game defined by physical clashes and a scuffle at the final whistle.

Debated Game-Changing Try Seals Victory

The Brisbane side were beneficiaries in having the crucial, game-deciding try given by the review official, after Mele Hufanga seemed to be held up by Jasmin Strange and her marker. With just a few minutes remaining, the try-scorer – who was awarded best on ground – grounded the ball to send her side into the front. Even though the try was confirmed, the video review was not definitive.

“Gee, the girls really dedicated all campaign for that,” the fullback stated. “We relaxed at midway. The Roosters came back like the title-holders they are, but extremely proud of the team, particularly our youth rising to the occasion.”

Minor Premiers Streak Broken

The result ended an lengthy unbeaten run from the Sydney side, who had also won their previous five matches against the their rivals. After a slow initial stages, the league leaders faced a 12-point gap. But they finally showed life into the second half, when their custodian penetrated the opposition defense to score a long-range try straight from a restart.

Thrilling Turnaround

Seconds earlier, Broncos winger Maddick was inches away from an interception that would have put the Broncos up by three scores. But she couldn’t keep control of it, and the restart flipped the flow in an instant. Within five minutes, the trailing team were level after Lopamaua fended off multiple defenders at bay to put the ball down.

Late Drama

The opposition then put their noses in front by a clever unexpected attack orchestrated by Brill and her teammate, and finished by Mia Wood in the corner. They endured a scare almost immediately later, when Brisbane attacker Julia Robinson picked up a fumble from the Roosters. But the bunker disallowed the try, much to the disappointment of the majority of Broncos fans.

Those fans were elated later though a Broncos player scored with nine minutes to go. A unsuccessful attempt left the Sydney hanging onto a narrow lead, until Mele went over to seal the win for the Brisbane.

Resilient Leader

“When you look at our group and the adversity and the toughness that we’ve cultivated this year with so many absences to important members, I’m full of pride that the score line was competitive because we just dug so deep and we did all we could for each other.”

Availability Setbacks

They were without key attacker their half to a ACL problem three weeks ago, and endured a blow before the match had even started. Naividi Taina Naividi tore her ACL at Saturday’s training session, necessitating a roster switch. Mia Wood shifted from the reserves onto the wing.

Coaching Brilliance

But that was not the only adjustment. Head coach the coach opted to field Brill at dummy-half and a substitute from the interchange. The move looked a smart play in the first period in when Jada Ferguson forced her way over from a close-range effort for her team’s additional points.

Significant Triumph

After becoming coach in the previous season, Prince has guided the Broncos back towards the summit of the league. The game also had personal significance, commemorating a long time since his man of the match display in the NRL grand final for the another team. But his contribution to the this team could be more impactful. Their victory on game day was their maiden championship since 2020, and re-asserted their status as the country’s leading women’s club.