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Brisbane Broncos Edge Sydney Roosters in Contested NRLW Final to Claim Fourth Premiership The Brisbane Broncos have secured their fourth National Rugby League Women’s (NRLW) title following a dramatic and physically intense Grand Final victory over the Sydney Roosters, prevailing 22-18 in a fiercely contested match at Accor Stadium in Sydney. The victory, achieved in front of a significant crowd, caps a remarkable return to the summit for the Broncos, who had not claimed the premiership since 2020. The match was defined by a seismic second-half comeback from the minor-premiership-winning Roosters, who recovered from a substantial deficit to take a late lead before succumbing to a decisive, and disputed, try in the final minutes. The result halts the Roosters’ impressive 18-match winning streak, underscoring the parity and high-stakes intensity that has come to define the expanding women’s competition. Brisbane established control early, showcasing their clinical attack to build a 12-point advantage by the halftime break. The Roosters, known for their structured defence and mid-field dominance during the regular season, appeared initially subdued. However, the second forty minutes provided an extraordinary display of rugby league momentum, as the Roosters executed a dramatic tactical shift. Fueled by quick possession and astute playmaking, they scored three rapid tries, completely erasing the deficit and putting themselves ahead 18-16 with less than 15 minutes remaining on the clock.
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This period of play exemplified the increasing technical depth of the NRLW, with both sides demonstrating sophisticated tactical adjustments under severe pressure. The final quarter of the match descended into a tense, end-to-end battle, with the momentum swinging sharply with every possession change. Brisbane managed to level the scores at 18-all through Shalom Sauaso, before the pivotal moment arrived in the 65th minute. Broncos centre Mele Hufanga, who delivered a standout performance throughout the contest, crossed the line for what was ultimately the premiership-winning score. The try required intervention from the video referee, or 'Bunker', to confirm the grounding of the ball amid a determined effort from the Roosters' cover defence. Despite replays appearing inconclusive, the on-field decision was upheld, confirming the try and pushing the Broncos into a four-point lead that they would not relinquish. Hufanga’s barnstorming display earned her the Karyn Murphy Medal for Player of the Match, having amassed nearly 200 running metres and registering 17 tackle breaks in a dominant individual effort. The physical toll of the game was evident, culminating in a heated exchange and minor skirmishes between players after the final whistle—a clear reflection of the emotion and magnitude of the contest.
Beyond the immediate drama of the Grand Final, the match served as a powerful indicator of the NRLW’s significant and accelerating growth. The 2025 season saw the competition expand to 12 teams, incorporating the Canterbury-Bankdogs and the re-entry of the New Zealand Warriors, a clear signal of the league’s expanding player pathways and commitment to wider geographical representation. League officials have prioritised sustainable expansion, focusing on ensuring the talent pool remains high despite the increasing number of fixtures. NRL Chief Executive Officer Andrew Abdo previously commented on the strategic approach to the women’s game, emphasising the quality of the on-field product. "What we're seeing now is the quality of football means fans are tuning into watch in my view the best women's competition in the world of any sport," Abdo stated earlier in the year. He added that the competition's high ball-in-play time, fast ruck speeds, and competitive balance contributed to its unique appeal. These factors, alongside record-breaking viewing figures reported in the previous season and increasing grassroots participation, highlight the league’s trajectory toward long-term professionalism. The success of the Broncos, under the leadership of veteran halfback Ali Brigginshaw, reasserts the club's pioneering status within the women's game, securing their fourth title since the competition’s inception in 2018.
The result will now fuel the conversation regarding the next phase of the NRLW, with the ultimate ambition remaining to align the women's competition with the full complement of clubs in the men's National Rugby League. The strategic integration, which sees many NRLW fixtures played as double-headers alongside the men's games, continues to successfully draw fans and build a "one-club mentality" amongst supporters. As the 2025 season concludes, the focus immediately shifts to the off-season recruitment and the further development of infrastructure necessary to support full-time professional female athletes. The fiercely fought Grand Final is not just a result; it is a testament to the competition’s maturity, skill level, and growing status as a major global women's sporting league. The 2024 NRLW Grand Final highlights offer a retrospective look at the intensity and excitement of the competition's major showcase.
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