From their Greenslopes stronghold at Totally Workwear Stadium to their Red Hill headquarters across the river, the Brisbane Broncos NRLW team have once again shown why they’re the pride of Queensland rugby league. On Sunday, the Broncos reclaimed their place at the top of the competition, defeating the Sydney Roosters 22–18 in a tightly contested Grand Final at Accor Stadium.
The result delivered the club its fourth NRLW premiership and capped off a season built on composure, defensive discipline and the steady leadership of captain Ali Brigginshaw.
Tough and Even Contest
The Grand Final opened at full pace, with neither side willing to yield. The Broncos struck first through Tamika Upton midway through the first half and extended their advantage to 12–0 at the break after Jada Ferguson crossed from dummy-half close to the line.
The Roosters hit back strongly after halftime, scoring three tries in ten minutes through Brydie Parker, Kalosipani Lopamaua and Mia Wood to surge ahead 18–12. Brisbane responded in kind, with Shalom Sauaso crashing over before Romy Teitzel’s missed conversion left the Broncos two points adrift.
Mele Hufanga then produced the decisive moment in the 65th minute, powering over two defenders to score the match-winner. The Bunker reviewed the grounding and confirmed the on-field decision. Hufanga’s performance earned her the Karyn Murphy Medal for player of the match.
Brigginshaw Leads the Way
Co-captain Ali Brigginshaw guided the Broncos with composure in key moments, steering them through the Roosters’ surge and managing the game’s tempo in the closing stages. At 35, Brigginshaw remains a central figure in the Broncos’ structure and leadership, having now captained the side to four NRLW premierships since 2018.
Five-eighth Gayle Broughton and fullback Tamika Upton combined smartly to direct play, while the Broncos’ pack—anchored by Chelsea Lenarduzzi, Annetta-Claudia Nu’uausala and Brianna Clark—won the crucial battle through the middle. Destiny Brill’s late promotion to the starting hooker role also paid dividends as she helped steady the ruck speed early on.
Roosters Push to the End
The Sydney Roosters, coached by John Strange, refused to fade, keeping the contest alive until the final whistle. Their three-try surge showed the depth of their attack, with centre Jess Sergis sparking the momentum shift early in the second half and halfback Jocelyn Kelleher’s short kicks creating attacking pressure. Despite their resilience, Brisbane’s defence held firm under repeat sets near their own line.
The Roosters were forced into late changes before the match, with winger Taina Naividi ruled out with a knee injury and forward Amber Hall unable to take the field. Even so, the minor premiers maintained intensity throughout and pushed the Broncos to the limit.
Broncos Back on Top
The victory is Brisbane’s first NRLW title since 2020 and underscores the team’s progression under coach Scott Prince. It also capped a strong day for the code at Accor Stadium, with 46,288 on hand for the women’s decider.
Published 6-Oct-2025
