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The Broncos prevailed over a valiant Sydney Roosters fightback to secure their 4th NRLW title with a close victory in a tightly contested and hard-fought grand final characterized by physical clashes and a confrontation at the end.

Debated Match-Winning Try Secures Victory

The Broncos were beneficiaries in having the critical, match-winning try granted by the bunker, after their key player looked to be denied by Jasmin Strange and her marker. With just four minutes on the clock, the Brisbane player – who was named Karyn Murphy Medallist – touched down the ball to propel her side into the front. While the try was awarded, the slow motion replay was not definitive.

“Wow, the players really gave all campaign for that,” the fullback stated. “We eased up at half-time. The opposition responded like the title-holders they are, but extremely proud of the girls, notably our young ones stepping up.”

Minor Premiers Run Ended

The victory broke an lengthy winning streak from the Sydney side, who had also secured their recent five encounters against the their rivals. After a clunky initial stages, the league leaders faced a significant gap. But they awoke early the later stages, when their custodian penetrated the Broncos defence to score a long-range try straight from a set piece.

Thrilling Turnaround

Moments earlier, Brisbane outside back Maddick was a hair's breadth away from an interception that would have put her team up 18-0. But she fumbled of it, and the set piece changed the flow in an flash. Within moments, the Roosters were level after a Roosters player resisted tackles at bay to put the ball down.

Closing Drama

The Sydney side then put their noses in front by a well-executed surprise play created by Brill and Sergis, and converted by Wood in the sideline. They weathered a close call almost immediately afterwards, when Brisbane attacker the centre seized a handling error from the Sydney. But the review system brought play back the call, much to the frustrations of many of supporters.

The crowd were rewarded not long after when a Broncos player scored with limited time to go. A missed kick left the Roosters maintaining a small lead, until Mele went over to secure the triumph for the Brisbane.

Proud Roosters Captain

“When you consider our squad and the difficulties and the fortitude that we’ve developed this year with so many injuries to key players, I’m full of pride that the outcome was competitive because we just dug so deep and we did anything we could for the team.”

Injury Issues

They were without key attacker Tarryn Aiken to a ACL problem earlier ago, and endured a blow before the contest had even commenced. Outside back Taina Naividi tore her ACL at the final practice, leading to a last-minute adjustment. the substitute moved from the reserves onto the wing.

Tactical Brilliance

But that was not the only adjustment. Mentor Scott Prince chose to field the hooker at number 9 and Ferguson from the bench. The move looked a masterstroke late in the half in when Jada Ferguson forced her way over from a dummy half scurry for her side’s additional points.

Significant Achievement

After becoming coach in recently, Prince has steered the Broncos back towards the summit of the women's competition. This match also had personal significance, celebrating 20 years’ since his man of the match showing in the men's decider for the his former club. But his contribution to the this team could be even greater. Brisbane’s victory on Sunday was their maiden championship since 2020, and re-asserted their reputation as the country’s leading NRLW side.