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The Broncos defeated a spirited Roosters comeback to claim their fourth NRLW premiership with a narrow victory in a see-sawing and intense championship match defined by sickening collisions and a scuffle at the final whistle.

Controversial Decisive Try Secures Victory

The winning team were fortunate in having the crucial, game-deciding try given by the review official, after the Broncos centre looked to be stopped by opposition players and Olivia Kernick. With just limited time remaining, the try-scorer – who was awarded Karyn Murphy Medallist – grounded the ball to push her side into the front. While the try was confirmed, the footage was open to interpretation.

“Fuck, the players really dedicated all year for that,” the fullback stated. “We relaxed at the break. The opposition came back like the premiership side they are, but extremely proud of the team, notably our young ones performing.”

Sydney Streak Broken

The result ended an lengthy victory sequence from the opposition, who had also won their recent five matches against the their rivals. After a slow initial stages, the top-ranked team faced a significant deficit. But they finally showed life 10 minutes the later stages, when their custodian broke the opposition defense to score a length-of-the-field try direct from a set piece.

Thrilling Change

Moments earlier, Maddick Maddick was inches away from an intercept that would have put the Broncos up 18-0. But she fumbled of it, and the set piece shifted the momentum in an moment. Within a short time, the trailing team were tied after a Roosters player fended off multiple defenders at bay to touch down.

Final Drama

The Sydney side then put their noses in front by a well-executed blindside move created by a playmaker and her teammate, and completed by Mia Wood in the sideline. They endured a scare soon after afterwards, when Broncos centre Robinson picked up a handling error from the opposition. But the bunker disallowed the try, much to the annoyance of tens of thousands of followers.

Those fans were rewarded not long after though a Broncos player crossed with nine minutes to go. A missed kick left the trailing side clinging to a small lead, until Hufanga went over to confirm the victory for the Broncos.

Determined Roosters Captain

“When you look at our squad and the challenges and the fortitude that we’ve developed this year with so many absences to star performers, I’m so proud that the result was like because we just dug so deep and we did everything we could for one another.”

Fitness Challenges

They lost key attacker their half to a long-term issue earlier ago, and endured a setback before the game had even commenced. Naividi the winger tore her ACL at Saturday’s practice, leading to a late change. the substitute moved from the bench onto the outside.

Strategic Genius

But that was not the only late change. Head coach Scott Prince opted to start Destiny Brill at hooker and Ferguson from the interchange. The tactic looked a masterstroke 29 minutes in when Ferguson barged over from a dummy half scurry for her team’s additional points.

Historic Triumph

Since taking over in the previous season, Prince has steered the team back towards the pinnacle of the women's competition. The clash also had personal significance, celebrating 20 years’ since his best on ground showing in the premiership decider for the Wests Tigers. But his impact to the Broncos could be more significant. The Broncos’ win on the day was their maiden championship since 2020, and re-asserted their position as the league’s top NRLW side.