🔗 Share this article

The Broncos overcame a valiant Sydney Roosters recovery to win their fourth NRLW championship with a narrow victory in a back-and-forth and hard-fought championship match marked by hard hits and a scuffle at the end.

Debated Match-Winning Try Secures Victory

The winning team were lucky in having the pivotal, championship-sealing try awarded by the bunker, after the Broncos centre appeared to be held up by Jasmin Strange and her marker. With just four minutes on the clock, the try-scorer – who was honoured as best on ground – grounded the ball to send her side into the lead. Although the try was confirmed, the slow motion replay was not definitive.

“Gee, the team really put in all campaign for that,” Tamika Upton remarked. “We relaxed at midway. The Roosters fought back like the champion team they are, but [I’m] so proud of the players, especially our young ones rising to the occasion.”

Sydney Streak Halted

The victory halted an impressive victory sequence from the Sydney side, who had also secured their previous five games against the their rivals. After a uneven opening period, the minor premiers faced a two-try deficit. But they awoke into the later stages, when fullback Brydie Parker penetrated the Brisbane line to score a long-range try direct from a restart.

Thrilling Momentum Shift

Instants before, Broncos winger Hayley Maddick was inches away from an turnover that would have put her team up comfortably ahead. But she lost possession of it, and the set piece changed the flow in an flash. Within moments, the Sydney were on equal terms after Lopamaua resisted tackles at bay to put the ball down.

Closing Excitement

The Sydney side then put their noses in front by a sharp unexpected attack set up by Destiny Brill and her teammate, and converted by Wood in the sideline. They endured a threat shortly following, when Robinson Robinson picked up a fumble from the Sydney. But the video referee overturned the call, much to the annoyance of tens of thousands of supporters.

Those fans were elated not long after though a Broncos player cashed over with limited time to go. A unsuccessful attempt left the Sydney maintaining a small lead, until Hufanga scored to confirm the win for the Broncos.

Determined Leader

“When you look at our group and the challenges and the resilience that we’ve developed this year with so many injuries to important members, I’m so proud 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 star Tarryn Aiken to a long-term issue earlier ago, and faced a problem before the contest had even begun. Naividi Naividi ruptured her ACL at the day before run-through, leading to a roster switch. Mia Wood shifted from the reserves onto the flank.

Coaching Masterstroke

But that was not the only late change. Brisbane coach the coach chose to start Brill at hooker and Ferguson from the bench. The decision looked a masterstroke 29 minutes in when Ferguson scored from a dummy half scurry for her team’s additional points.

Memorable Success

After becoming coach in 2023, the coach has guided the team back towards the pinnacle of the women's competition. Sunday’s clash also had special meaning, celebrating a long time since his Clive Churchill Medal-winning performance in the men's decider for the another team. But his impact to the this team could be even greater. The Broncos’ win on the day was their maiden championship since 2020, and re-asserted their status as the nation’s top women’s club.