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The Broncos overcame a spirited Sydney Roosters fightback to win their fourth NRLW premiership with a narrow triumph in a tightly contested and hard-fought championship match marked by sickening collisions and a scuffle at the final whistle.

Debated Decisive Try Delivers Victory

The winning team were fortunate in having the critical, match-winning try given by the review official, after Mele Hufanga appeared to be denied by opposition players and her marker. With just limited time on the clock, the Broncos centre – who was named player of the match – touched down the ball to push her side into the lead. Even though the try was awarded, the video review was open to interpretation.

“Fuck, the players really put in all year for that,” the fullback remarked. “We got a bit comfortable at half-time. The Sydney responded like the champion team they are, but [I’m] so proud of the girls, particularly our newcomers stepping up.”

Minor Premiers Run Broken

The outcome ended an lengthy victory sequence from the Sydney side, who had also won their recent five matches against the their rivals. After a slow initial stages, the league leaders faced a 12-point shortfall. But they awoke into the later stages, when Parker penetrated the opposition defense to score a long-range try immediately after a set piece.

Dramatic Turnaround

Moments earlier, Broncos winger the winger was inches away from an turnover that would have put Brisbane up 18-0. But she lost possession of it, and the set piece changed the impetus in an moment. Within five minutes, the Sydney were level after a Roosters player fended off multiple defenders at bay to score.

Final Action

The Sydney side then went ahead by a sharp surprise play orchestrated by Brill and her teammate, and finished by Wood in the sideline. They endured a close call shortly following, when Brisbane attacker the centre picked up a fumble from the Roosters. But the video referee brought play back the decision, much to the annoyance of many of Broncos fans.

The crowd were elated not long after though Shalom Sauaso crossed with limited time to go. A missed kick left the Sydney hanging onto a small lead, until Mele scored to secure the win for the winners.

Resilient Leader

“When you consider our group and the challenges and the toughness that we’ve developed this year with so many injuries to important members, I’m so proud that the result was like because we just fought hard and we did anything we could for each other.”

Availability Challenges

They lost key attacker their half to a ACL problem a few weeks ago, and endured a blow before the match had even started. Winger the winger tore her ACL at the final run-through, necessitating a last-minute adjustment. Wood shifted from the reserves onto the flank.

Coaching Brilliance

But that was not the only late change. Mentor the coach chose to field Brill at hooker and a substitute from the reserves. The tactic looked a masterstroke in the first period in when Ferguson barged over from a close-range effort for her side’s additional points.

Memorable Triumph

Since assuming the role in 2023, Scott Prince has guided the Brisbane back towards the pinnacle of the league. This clash also had special meaning, celebrating a long time since his Clive Churchill Medal-winning display in the NRL grand final for the Wests Tigers. But his contribution to the Broncos could be even greater. The Broncos’ victory on game day was their initial title since four years ago, and confirmed their position as the nation’s leading women’s club.