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Brisbane Broncos Break Title Drought After Thrilling roosters-vs-broncos NRLW Grand Final By BBC Sport Staff The Brisbane Broncos have secured a dramatic 22-18 victory over the Sydney Roosters in the 2025 NRL Women’s Premiership (NRLW) Grand Final, shattering the Roosters’ hopes of achieving an undefeated season. In a match defined by fierce physicality, momentum swings, and a controversial late try, the Broncos clinched their fourth premiership and reasserted themselves at the pinnacle of the women’s competition, five years after their last title. The result casts a significant shadow over the Roosters, who entered the decider as minor premiers and firm favourites. The contest at Accor Stadium was an immediate classic, pitting the two most successful sides in NRLW history against one another. Brisbane controlled the opening exchanges, capitalising on superior field position and discipline to establish a commanding 12-0 lead going into the half-time break. Key forward performances ensured the Roosters were starved of possession, allowing the Broncos to convert pressure into points via their structured attack. However, the Roosters, coached by John Strange, demonstrated why they had gone 18 matches unbeaten, orchestrating a blistering comeback early in the second half. A flurry of three unanswered tries in the space of just 10 minutes saw the Sydney side not only erase the deficit but also surge ahead, claiming an 18-12 lead with just a quarter of the game remaining. This period saw the Roosters’ potent outside backs, led by Brydie Parker, utilise the width of the pitch, testing the Broncos' defence after a physical first half.
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The momentum shift provided a test of nerve for the Brisbane outfit, but it was their defensive fortitude and the individual brilliance of centre Mele Hufanga that proved decisive. Dally M Rookie of the Year Shalom Sauaso crossed for the Broncos to narrow the margin to two points, before Hufanga, who was later named the Karyn Murphy Medallist, scored the match-winning try in the 65th minute. The crucial grounding of the ball required extensive review by the video referee, with replays appearing inconclusive as Roosters defenders attempted desperately to hold the ball up. The decision, though awarded, remained a point of contention among commentators and supporters alike. Speaking after the high-octane encounter, Broncos coach Scott Prince described the victory as a culmination of strategic rebuilding. “When you look back at how much hard work went into the last couple of years, this is far better than any individual award,” Prince stated, reflecting on his own career milestones. “To see the girls progress, get better, the highs and lows—that’s the satisfaction you want. It’s very, very special. ” Prince also had to address a small post-match fracas involving several players from both teams, adding, “It’s not ideal from our point of view.
There’s no place in the game for that. I’m sure the NRL will take care of it. ” The Roosters camp, despite the crushing defeat that ended their pursuit of a perfect season, remained reflective. Captain Isabelle Kelly praised her team’s resolve. “When you look at our group and the adversity and the resilience that we’ve built this year with so many injuries to key players, I’m so proud that the score line was like that because we just dug so deep,” Kelly remarked. “We did everything we could for each other. ” Coach Strange, while noting his pride in the fighting spirit, acknowledged the complexity of the video referee decision. "We kept fighting and a couple of those decisions could have gone either way, so that's out of our control," he said. The victory also marked a fifth career premiership for Broncos fullback Tamika Upton, cementing her status as one of the game's elite players.
Upton, who won the Dally M Medal earlier in the week, admitted the side became "a bit comfortable at half-time," but praised her teammates for their resilience under pressure. The result re-establishes the Brisbane club as the primary challenger to the Sydney dynasty built over the last few years, and elevates the Roosters-Broncos fixture to one of the most compelling rivalries in Australian sport. Looking ahead, the Roosters must now metabolise the defeat and refocus for next season, knowing that their previous aura of invincibility has been pierced at the final hurdle. For the Broncos, the premiership provides validation for their new coaching structure and the faith placed in emerging stars like Hufanga and Sauaso. The Grand Final proved a fittingly intense advertisement for the NRLW competition, showcasing the elite skill and raw physicality that defines the rivalry between the two powerhouse clubs. The narrow margin suggests that while the Broncos have claimed the 2025 crown, the competitive gap between Brisbane and Sydney remains razor thin. You can find further discussion and preview content for this major fixture here: Sydney Roosters vs Brisbane Broncos | NRLW - GRAND FINAL | Live Stream Commentary.
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