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The Brisbane squad overcame a spirited Roosters comeback to secure their fourth NRLW championship with a narrow win in a back-and-forth and hard-fought championship match marked by hard hits and a scuffle at the conclusion.

Debated Match-Winning Try Secures Victory

The winning team were lucky in having the pivotal, game-deciding try awarded by the bunker, after the Broncos centre appeared to be denied by opposition players and her marker. With just four minutes on the clock, the Broncos centre – who was honoured as best on ground – placed the ball to propel her side into the lead. While the try was awarded, the video review was far from conclusive.

“Wow, the players really dedicated all year for that,” the fullback remarked. “We eased up at midway. The Sydney responded like the premiership side they are, but [I’m] so proud of the players, particularly our young ones rising to the occasion.”

Minor Premiers Winning Spree Broken

The result broke an impressive unbeaten run from the Roosters, who had also claimed their recent five matches against the Broncos. After a slow first half, the league leaders faced a 12-point shortfall. But they finally showed life early the later stages, when their custodian penetrated the opposition defense to score a length-of-the-field try straight from a scrum play.

Thrilling Momentum Shift

Seconds prior, Maddick Maddick was centimeters away from an interception that would have put her team up comfortably ahead. But she lost possession of it, and the set piece changed the impetus in an flash. Within moments, the Sydney were tied after a Roosters player resisted tackles at bay to score.

Closing Excitement

The Sydney side then went ahead by a well-executed unexpected attack created by a playmaker and her teammate, and finished by Mia Wood in the sideline. They survived a close call soon after later, when Broncos centre Robinson seized a fumble from the Roosters. But the review system overturned the try, much to the disappointment of the majority of followers.

Those fans were rewarded not long after however Shalom Sauaso cashed over with nine minutes to go. A missed kick left the trailing side hanging onto a two point lead, until Hufanga scored to seal the victory for the winners.

Determined Kelly

“When you look at our squad and the challenges and the fortitude that we’ve cultivated this year with so many absences to important members, I’m full of pride that the outcome was as close as it was because we just dug so deep and we did all we could for each other.”

Injury Setbacks

They lost playmaker their half to a ACL problem three weeks ago, and faced a problem before the game had even commenced. Winger Naividi ruptured her ACL at the final training session, necessitating a roster switch. Wood moved from the bench onto the outside.

Tactical Genius

But that was not the only late change. Brisbane coach Scott Prince chose to begin with Brill at number 9 and Jada Ferguson from the interchange. The tactic looked a masterstroke 29 minutes in when Ferguson forced her way over from a close-range effort for her side’s second try.

Memorable Success

After taking over in recently, Scott Prince has helped redirect the Brisbane back towards the summit of the league. Sunday’s game also had personal significance, marking 20 years’ since his man of the match performance in the premiership decider for the another team. But his contribution to the Brisbane could be more significant. The Broncos’ victory on game day was their first premiership since four years ago, and solidified their position as the nation’s leading women’s club.