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The Broncos overcame a determined Sydney Roosters recovery to claim their fourth NRLW premiership with a 22-18 victory in a see-sawing and intense championship match characterized by hard hits and a scuffle at the final whistle.

Debated Match-Winning Try Delivers Victory

The winning team were fortunate in having the critical, match-winning try awarded by the bunker, after Mele Hufanga appeared to be denied by opposition players and her marker. With just a few minutes left, the Brisbane player – who was named Karyn Murphy Medallist – touched down the ball to send her side into the lead. Even though the try was confirmed, the video review was open to interpretation.

“Fuck, the girls really gave all year for that,” the fullback remarked. “We relaxed at midway. The Sydney responded like the champion team they are, but full of pride of the girls, notably our newcomers stepping up.”

Sydney Run Ended

The outcome halted an lengthy winning streak from the Roosters, who had also secured their recent five encounters against the Brisbane. After a uneven initial stages, the league leaders faced a two-try shortfall. But they finally showed life 10 minutes the later stages, when Parker penetrated the Brisbane line to score a spectacular try straight from a set piece.

Thrilling Change

Instants prior, Brisbane outside back Maddick was a hair's breadth away from an intercept that would have put the Broncos up by three scores. But she lost possession of it, and the midfield scrum shifted the impetus in an moment. Within five minutes, the Roosters were tied after Eliza Lopamaua fended off multiple defenders at bay to put the ball down.

Closing Action

The opposition then took the lead by a clever blindside move set up by Destiny Brill and Sergis, and completed by the winger in the edge. They endured a close call shortly afterwards, when Robinson Robinson seized a fumble from the Roosters. But the video referee overturned the try, much to the frustrations of tens of thousands of Broncos fans.

The crowd were rewarded soon after however a Broncos player crossed with under 10 minutes to go. A missed kick left the Sydney clinging to a narrow lead, until Hufanga went over to secure the victory for the Brisbane.

Determined Roosters Captain

“When you examine our team and the challenges and the toughness that we’ve cultivated this year with so many absences to key players, I’m so proud that the outcome was as close as it was because we just gave our all and we did anything we could for one another.”

Availability Challenges

They missed star Tarryn Aiken to a ACL problem three weeks ago, and endured a blow before the contest had even commenced. Outside back the winger tore her ACL at the final training session, necessitating a late change. Mia Wood moved from the reserves onto the flank.

Tactical Masterstroke

But that was not the only switch. Head coach the coach decided to begin with Destiny Brill at number 9 and a substitute from the reserves. The decision looked a brilliant move 29 minutes in when the substitute barged over from a dummy half scurry for her team’s next score.

Significant Achievement

Since taking over in the previous season, the coach has helped redirect the Broncos back towards the pinnacle of the women's competition. The game also had special meaning, celebrating a long time since his Clive Churchill Medal-winning showing in the premiership decider for the another team. But his influence to the this team could be more impactful. The Broncos’ triumph on game day was their initial title since four years ago, and re-asserted their status as the country’s leading female team.