The Brisbane Broncos have claimed their fourth NRLW premiership with a hard-fought 22-18 victory over the Sydney Roosters at Accor Stadium. The match was marked by intense physicality and a controversial match-winning try awarded to Mele Hufanga in the final minutes.
Hufanga, who was named the Karyn Murphy Medallist for player of the match, grounded the ball with four minutes remaining despite appearing to be held up by Roosters defenders Jasmin Strange and Olivia Kernick. The video referee awarded the try, though replays were inconclusive, securing the Broncos' first title since 2020.
The Roosters, who had an 18-match winning streak entering the final, mounted a spirited comeback in the second half. After trailing 12-0, tries from Brydie Parker, Eliza Lopamaua, and Mia Wood put them ahead 18-12. However, the Broncos responded with tries from Shalom Sauaso and Hufanga to snatch victory.
Broncos fullback Tamika Upton, who scored the opening try, expressed relief after the tense finish. 'The girls really put in all season for that. We got a bit comfortable at half-time there. The Roosters came back like the champion team they are, but I'm so proud of the girls,' she said.
Roosters captain Isabelle Kelly praised her team's resilience despite injuries to key players Tarryn Aiken and Taina Naividi. '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,' she said.
