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Mele Hufanga Secures Brisbane Broncos' Upset NRLW Grand Final Victory Brisbane Broncos centre Mele Hufanga has been hailed as the deciding factor in one of the most compelling National Rugby League Women's (NRLW) Grand Finals in history, scoring a controversial late try to defeat the previously undefeated Sydney Roosters 22-18 and claim the 2025 Premiership. The dramatic climax at Accor Stadium saw the Broncos, entering the contest as clear underdogs, stage a stunning late-game revival powered by Hufanga’s physical dominance. Her match-winning moment, delivered just minutes from full-time, secured Brisbane's fourth NRLW title and simultaneously ended the Roosters’ flawless campaign, cementing the centre’s status as a transformative figure in the women’s game. Hufanga’s performance, marked by sheer power and crucial ball-carrying, was unanimously recognised with the Karyn Murphy Medal for Player of the Match. Match of Twists and Turns The Grand Final was defined by its relentless tempo and significant shifts in momentum. The Brisbane Broncos set the pace early, capitalising on strong field position and maintaining defensive discipline to take a commanding 12-0 lead into the half-time break. Their start suggested a comfortable upset might be on the cards against a Roosters side that had dominated the entire 11-game season and finals series. However, the second half delivered a dramatic reversal. The Sydney Roosters, known for their resilience, unleashed a devastating eight-minute scoring surge, registering three unanswered tries to overturn the deficit and establish a precarious 18-12 lead with less than a quarter of the match remaining. Injuries and heavy collisions marked the intensity of the period, with several key Roosters players requiring treatment in the dying minutes, highlighting the toll the fierce contest was taking.
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The Broncos managed to reduce the margin to two points via a close-range try from Shalom Sauaso, setting the stage for the final, decisive play. The sustained pressure on the Roosters' defensive line eventually led to the 65th-minute moment that defined the Grand Final. The Controversial Decider The match-winning play came when the Broncos pressed deep into the Roosters' 20-metre zone. Mele Hufanga received the ball close to the line and embarked on a characteristic barnstorming run, driving through multiple defenders before grounding the ball under intense pressure. The try was immediately sent to the Bunker (video review system) for scrutiny, with replays appearing inconclusive regarding whether Hufanga had successfully connected the ball with the turf before it was dislodged or held up by Roosters second-rower Jasmin Strange. After a tense review, the on-field decision of ‘try’ was confirmed, swinging the score to 22-18 in favour of Brisbane, a lead they defended fiercely until the final siren. The controversial call was acknowledged by both sides, contributing to the intense atmosphere that culminated in a chaotic post-match skirmish between the two teams. Speaking after the match, Sydney Roosters coach John Strange remained diplomatic but suggested the decision was pivotal. "I wasn't sure the replays showed clearly the ball being grounded," he stated, adding: "We kept fighting, and a couple of those decisions could have gone either way, so that's out of our control. I was just really proud of the girls.
" Hufanga's 'Never-Say-Die' Mentality Beyond the Grand Final’s dramatic narrative, Hufanga’s performance was recognised for its sheer output and determination. She finished the match with a game-high 199 run metres from 16 carries, 17 tackle busts, and two line-breaks, embodying the 'never-say-die' attitude praised by her coach. Hufanga attributed the critical moment to a deep self-belief. Recalling the final minutes, she said: "When it came down to the last four minutes, I just remember telling [five-eighth] Gayle [Broughton] 'I want the ball; I want the ball'. We ran one of our plays and as soon as the ball touched my hand I was going to get over that line. " Her determination is rooted in a career marked by code-switching and overcoming personal hurdles. Hufanga began her professional career in rugby union, representing Tonga and captaining the national side, as well as playing for the Blues in the Super Rugby Aupiki competition. She transitioned fully to rugby league in 2023, joining the Broncos after a break-out performance for the Kiwi Ferns at the 2022 World Cup. The NRLW success follows a focused period of physical and mental training. Hufanga credited a rigorous pre-season for her standout Grand Final display, acknowledging the internal strength required to reach peak fitness.
“Pre-season took me to a dark spot, and I am glad I went through that because without that pre-season I wouldn't be where I am now,” she reflected. Community Advocacy and Legacy Hufanga’s influence extends beyond the pitch and into the Pasifika community. She has leveraged her profile to become an advocate for health and wellness, running fitness challenges alongside her brother to address rising rates of obesity and Type 2 diabetes among Pasifika populations in New Zealand. Inspired by her own family's struggles with chronic illness, Hufanga has dedicated time to encouraging healthier lifestyles. In a previous interview regarding her community work, she emphasised the focus on future generations. “The last thing we want is for other people to go through what we're going through," she said, highlighting the importance of setting a healthy example for children in the community. The combination of athletic prowess and community dedication has solidified Hufanga’s place as one of the sport's most influential figures. Her Grand Final performance not only delivered a premiership but also served as a moment of personal vindication, underscoring her successful transition and capacity to perform under the highest pressure. The 2025 NRLW Grand Final has been widely regarded by commentators as one of the greatest matches in the competition’s history, showcasing the increasing skill and intensity of the women's game. Hufanga’s decisive contribution ensures that the upset victory, and her own powerhouse display, will be remembered as a landmark moment for the Brisbane club and for the evolution of the NRLW.
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