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The Brisbane Broncos prevailed over a determined Sydney Roosters fightback to claim their 4th NRLW premiership with a close win in a back-and-forth and hard-fought final game characterized by physical clashes and a scuffle at the final whistle.

Debated Game-Changing Try Seals Victory

The winning team were fortunate in having the pivotal, match-winning try given by the bunker, after Mele Hufanga appeared to be denied by Roosters defenders and her marker. With just a few minutes remaining, the Broncos centre – who was named player of the match – grounded the ball to send her side into the winning position. Even though the try was given, the footage was not definitive.

“Fuck, the girls really dedicated all campaign for that,” Tamika Upton remarked. “We eased up at half-time. The Roosters fought back like the title-holders they are, but extremely proud of the players, especially our newcomers stepping up.”

Roosters Streak Halted

The victory broke an 18-match victory sequence from the Roosters, who had also won their recent five encounters against the Brisbane. After a clunky initial stages, the league leaders faced a 12-point deficit. But they awoke 10 minutes the second half, when Parker penetrated the opposition defense to score a long-range try immediately after a restart.

Dramatic Momentum Shift

Seconds before, Maddick Maddick was inches away from an intercept that would have put the Broncos up 18-0. But she lost possession of it, and the set piece shifted the impetus in an instant. Within moments, the Roosters were level after Eliza Lopamaua held three Broncos at bay to put the ball down.

Late Action

The opposition then took the lead by a sharp unexpected attack created by Brill and Sergis, and converted by Wood in the sideline. They survived a close call shortly following, when Brisbane attacker Robinson seized a handling error from the opposition. But the bunker brought play back the try, much to the disappointment of the majority of supporters.

The crowd were satisfied not long after though Shalom Sauaso crossed with nine minutes to go. A missed kick left the Sydney maintaining a small lead, until the centre went over to secure the win for the Broncos.

Proud Leader

“When you examine our squad and the challenges and the resilience that we’ve cultivated this year with so many setbacks to star performers, I’m extremely proud that the outcome was competitive because we just dug so deep and we did everything we could for one another.”

Injury Challenges

They lost playmaker Tarryn Aiken to a long-term issue three weeks ago, and faced a setback before the contest had even started. Naividi Naividi tore her ACL at the day before training session, leading to a late change. the substitute moved from the interchange onto the outside.

Strategic Brilliance

But that was not the only switch. Brisbane coach the coach chose to start Destiny Brill at number 9 and Ferguson from the reserves. The decision looked a masterstroke late in the half in when Jada Ferguson scored from a dummy half scurry for her side’s additional points.

Significant Achievement

After taking over in the previous season, the coach has guided the Brisbane back towards the pinnacle of the NRLW. The clash also had individual importance, commemorating a long time since his man of the match performance in the NRL grand final for the another team. But his impact to the Brisbane could be more impactful. Brisbane’s victory on game day was their initial title since four years ago, and re-asserted their position as the league’s leading NRLW side.