Match report
Here’s our match report from Jack Snape live at the stadium. Enjoy and happy rugby league Christmas!
Summary
A game that was absolutely fitting for a grand final today – it was physical, tough and fast right from the opening whistle. While the Broncos found early ascendancy, taking a 12-point lead into the sheds at half-time, the Roosters would not be stopped. I think we’d all love to hear exactly what John Strange said to rev them up during the break, because they came out a changed team. Once they scored their first try, they looked unstoppable and continued to build momentum.
In hindsight, I think the non-try to Julia Robinson that was originally awarded, but then taken away by the bunker for a knock on after the forward pass, was the real turning point. While the points weren’t awarded, it gave the Broncos real belief that they still had the ability to win the game. When they got the ball back through the scrum feed, they played harder and faster and no longer seemed to be on the back foot. From there, they continued to surge at the Roosters’ line with persistence and determination and eventually came away with the win.
While the finish was not without controversy, it was certainly a memorable game that will be talked about for many years to come. The Roosters will feel disappointed to have let the match slip through their fingers when they were in control, especially after such a strong season. But no doubt they will be back better and stronger next year.
Thanks so much for joining me today – I hope you enjoyed the frenetic pace of the game as much as I did. Certainly one of the great grand finals. Let’s hope the men’s game can live up to the excitement of this one!
We now hear from the winning co-captains – Tamika Upton and Ali Brigginshaw.
“Strangie and the Roosters, what a game,” said Brigginshaw. “I know that you faced some adversity there with so many injuries, but you just showed how truly classy your team is and the club and what you’ve been able to do as a club.”
Upton finishes it off with a succinct message to her team.
“We bloody love you guys. Let’s party!”
Isabelle Kelly speaks on behalf of her team. Her voice is full of disappointment, but she stands up and delivers a classy address.
“I just want to thank the Brisbane Broncos for a great match,” she said. “You guys have been incredible all season, and I’m really glad that it was us showcasing what we can do in women’s rugby league for the grand final, so thank you. To my team and the coaching staff, I think we’ve had such an incredible year off the field. The footy is just a bonus that we get to play together. I think 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 scoreline was close, because we just dug so deep and we did everything we could for each. I’m so proud to call myself a Rooster.”
Karen Murphy Medallist: Mele Hufanga
No surprises here, Hufanga was pivotal in this match – what a superstar. She’s emotional on receiving her medal. She keeps things short and sweet.
“I want to thank the Roosters, you played a big game out there,” she said. “Thank you for playing. I’d like to thank our friends and family who turned up to Sydney today. Last but not least, to my teammates. I love you guys.”
MELE HUFANGA 🤯
— NRLW (@NRLWomens) October 5, 2025
Telstra Moment of the Match pic.twitter.com/t97479ajJj
Updated
For the Roosters, Corbin Baxter looks disappointed, but is able to hold her head up as she speaks to Marlee Silva.
“We knew that we were letting Broncos play really fast footy,” she said. “We just had to control a little bit more, knew that we could be better and really brought in that second half, but it went right to the end. I’m just so proud of the girls. You know, we’ve been through a lot of adversity. A lot of girls went down the season and this week, so we had a lot to play for. Just disappointing that we couldn’t finish it off.”
Tamika Upton looks relieved more than ecstatic as Jonathan Thurston interviews her after full time.
“The girls really put in all season for that,” she said. “We got a bit comfortable at half time there. The Roosters came back like the champion team they are, but so proud of the girls, particularly our young ones stepping up there.”
Full-time: Broncos 22-18 Roosters
What a game! Momemtum swung back and forth – at half-time it looked like it was all Broncos, but the Roosters came back so hard and seemed like they were going to seal the premiership. The Broncos showed why you should never write off a Queensland team with a determined finish. While the final try was steeped in controversy, you can’t fault the effort and the fight of the Broncos and even if the last try hadn’t been awarded, they look like they would have found a way to score.
Still more to come with the presentations about to take place, so stay with us!
Updated
70 mins: The Broncos don’t look to slow things down, they continue to play attacking football as they march downfield. They run it on the fifth and the Roosters get probably one last set to try to win this game. Kelleher puts up an early kick and there are Roosters chasing it, but Brigginshaw is all over it and she pulls the ball in to put the final nail in the Roosters’ coffin. The Broncos get a penalty with 30 seconds left. Brigginshaw leaves the field for an HIA with 20 seconds to go, but she has done her job well and truly. The game ends with a four-point win to the Broncos and immediately a fight breaks out. Peak rugby league!
68 mins: The Roosters attempt a short kick off, but the Broncos are ready for it and Upton comes up with the ball. Hufanga again makes a great line break, gets a pass away, but Baxter makes a great tackle to stop the try. The Roosters don’t have long now to claw back their lead. They will need something special, but they can’t manage it in this set.
GOAL! Broncos 22-18 Roosters (Clark, 65')
Clark knocks it over and we’re in for a tight finish!
TRY! Broncos 20-18 Roosters (Hufanga, 65')
Upton makes a great line break, but Davis again makes a desperate tackle to cut her off. A neat little kick goes into the in goal, but Kelly and Baxter dive on it to ensure it’s not a try. Kelly is having some trouble with her ankle, while Davis and Butler both have huge eggs on their faces after a head clash in that try saving tackle. Surprisingly, it seems like neither are being removed for the HIA. The Broncos get another attempt through the line drop out and the Roosters must get through a tough set with injuries all over them. Hufanga gets over the line with power – confirmed by the bunker but it doesn’t look like she gets grass under that ball!
Updated
64 mins: Davis digs deep in defence to hold the Broncos on the 40m line to finish the set and the Roosters get another chance in attack. Fressard looks for a gap through the middle, but is shut down by Clark. Kelleher finishes the set with a good kick that turns the Broncos around, but they pick it up on the second bounce and push down the field.
62 mins: It’s so tight here and both teams are feeling the pressure as the crowd continues to grow. Sauaso starts the set the way she finished the last, with a strong run at the defence.
TRY! Broncos 16-18 Roosters (Sauaso, 60')
Determined attack from the Broncos, putting numbers out wide to spread the Roosters defence, but Sauaso dives over close to the post. However Teitzel sprays the kick wide and the Roosters hold on to a two-point lead.
Shalom Sauaso crashes her way over! 💪 pic.twitter.com/STdBNiRbTB
— NRLW (@NRLWomens) October 5, 2025
Updated
60 mins: Just 10 minutes to go in this match now and both teams are desperate to put some more points on the board. Upton starts the Broncos set with a strong take in the air. Brigginshaw finds herself in space, but as she looks to pass, the Roosters wrap her up with a strong tackle, but get a hand on the ball and knock it on, so the Broncos get the scrum feed just outside the Roosters’ 20m.
58 mins: The momentum is all with the Roosters, but then they lose the ball after a forward pass and Robinson pounces on it, picks it up cleanly and sprints for the tryline with nothing but clear air in front of her. She scores, but the bunker intervenes and finds that Brigginshaw knocked on by getting a hand on the ball after the forward pass against the Roosters was ruled. Once again, the Broncos get the ball back, but lose the points they thought they had. They get down close to the tryline, but Brill is tackled on the fifth for a handover. The Roosters go on the attack again.
Updated
56 mins: Here come the Roosters again, they are a changed team this half. Parker makes some great post-contact metres to keep her team on the front foot.
GOAL! Broncos 12-18 Roosters (Kelleher, 55')
Another sensational kick from the sideline puts the Roosters ahead by a converted try!
TRY! Broncos 12-16 Roosters (Wood, 53')
A huge hit up from Pule sets the vibe of the set for the Roosters from the kick off and suddenly they’re deep in Broncos territory. They swing the ball out wide and Sergis draws the defence before sending a pass out to Wood, who dives over in the corner.
The Roosters go BANG! 💥 pic.twitter.com/XJXfPGVmNJ
— NRLW (@NRLWomens) October 5, 2025
Updated
GOAL! Broncos 12-12 Roosters (Kelleher, 52')
A much easier one for Kelleher and the scores are level!
TRY! Broncos 12-10 Roosters (Lopamaua, 50')
A huge play by the Roosters from an offload by Kernick. Lopamaua powers through to the tryline, beating three defenders to put the ball over the line.
Eliza Lopamaua is unstoppable! 😤 pic.twitter.com/dmNqkR4J8A
— NRLW (@NRLWomens) October 5, 2025
Updated
51 mins: Another good hit up from Lenarduzzi looks like it will set something up for the Broncos, but Brigginshaw throws a poor pass and the Roosters get a scrum feed, just inside the Broncos’ half. Sergis makes a good tackle break and the Roosters push up field.
49 mins: The Roosters have found some momentum after that try and it’s a strong set from them, but they lose the ball on the final tackle, when they’re within 10m of the tryline.
GOAL! Broncos 12-6 Roosters (Kelleher 47')
A tough kick for Kelleher from the edge, but she nails it.
TRY! Broncos 12-4 Roosters (Parker, 45')
The ball work from the Roosters gets a little loose and Maddick nearly pulls off an intercept that would put her into very clear space. But she can’t hold on to it and from the scrum feed, the Roosters find space on the right and Parker gets past Upton to score in the corner.
Brydie Parker races away! 🏁 pic.twitter.com/fs5wtsWNWP
— NRLW (@NRLWomens) October 5, 2025
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45 mins: Kelleher makes another 40/30 attempt – this time kicking on the third tackle. It nearly evades Upton, but she eventually manages to reel it in and then storms down the field. A strong hit up from Lenarduzzi, followed by an offload looks to spark something, but Kernick makes a try saving tackle to stop Ferguson from scoring. Just 25 mins left for the Roosters to turn this around.
43 mins: Another set for the Broncos from the scrum – they are looking patient and confident here, knowing the Roosters are on the back foot. Upton makes a good break and offloads it to Hufanga, but this time the Roosters are on to her and she’s brought down.
41 mins: Another brilliant run from Hufanga – she has racked up some seriously impressive post-contact metres today. A nice high kick from Brigginshaw, but Baxter fields it well. Sergis makes a brilliant break along the sideline, but doesn’t have support and she’s brought down by Upton. They swing the ball to the other side of the field, but a little knock on brings them undone.
Updated
39 mins: Hufanga gets the set underway with another great run and in the blink of an eye, they’re within touching distance of the tryline. Sauaso drives at the line and looks for all money like she’s going to score, but the Roosters make another desperate defensive effort to hold her out and get the handover. Kelleher gets a nice pass away to Strange that looks like it might set up a line break, but the Broncos defence is on top of it.
37 mins: Another good kick off from Kelleher gets us underway, but the Broncos hold on to this one. Brigginshaw slips early in the set and it looks like she’s in trouble for a minute, but she appears to have avoided an injury. The Broncos complete their first set and the Roosters have their first opportunity in the second half. Sergis is ruled to knock on, but she immediately challenges it. The bunker rules there is no stripping action and the challenge is unsuccessful.
We’re not far away from the second half now – these 70 minute games just fly by! Personally I think the next era of the NRLW should involve 80 minute games – who wouldn’t want 10 more minutes of a game like this?
Half time: Broncos 12-0 Roosters
A frantic, physical first half today – exactly what we would expect from a grand final. The Broncos have definitely looked like the dominant team – even aside from the score. They have just created more opportunities all across the field. Some of the key stats that stand out are that the Broncos lead 5-2 in line breaks and 35-18 in tackle breaks. The Roosters will need to turn these stats around if they want to make an impact in the second half.
The standout player for me so far has been Broncos centre Mele Hufanga. She always just seems to be in the action, from line breaks to tackles – she has been absolutely key for them so far. For the Roosters, Jocelyn Kelleher has put in a few great kicks, but I think they need more from her and Olivia Kernick to drag their team into the match.
It’s a warm day in Sydney, currently 28 degrees in Sydney Olympic Park, so fatigue will play a role in the second half. Let’s see which team can close this out and lift the trophy today!
Updated
35 mins: Good field position from the Roosters creates some fast ballwork, but they can’t finish the set, throwing a no look pass at the wrong moment and Parker can’t hold on to the ball and get through the gap. The Broncos get one final set before the break – they would love to score another try here to really make a statement. But the Roosters hold them out.
33 mins: How will the Roosters respond? They haven’t faced a situation like this so far this season. Kelleher attempts another 40/30, but Upton scrambles and gets there to pick up the ball on the full. But the Roosters step up their defence and force an error from the Broncos in the tackle to get the ball back.
TRY! Broncos 4-0 Roosters (Upton, 19')
Something has been building here and it appears to be the Broncos who are first to capitalise. Hufanga starts things off with a great tackle break and when Maddick pounces on the ball it looks like a try, but the Bunker sticks their noses in as usual and it’s ruled as a double knock on. The Broncos keep the ball, but lose the points. But then from the scrum feed, Upton splits the defenders and scores a simple try.
Tamika Upton burns them inside the Westpac Red Zone! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/egrAfSgzVy
— NRLW (@NRLWomens) October 5, 2025
31 mins: No mistake by the Broncos from the kick off this time. They’re looking strong buoyed by this 12-point lead they’ve piled on. A huge tackle from Kernick slows them down, but isn’t enough to stop their momentum.
GOAL! Broncos 12-0 Roosters (Teitzel, 30’)
Another simple kick for Teitzel, she must be thanking her try-scorers today!
TRY! Broncos 10-0 Roosters (Ferguson 28')
Speaking of pure determination, Ferguson comes out of dummy half, is held back by two defenders, but will not be stopped.
Ferguson seizes the opportunity from dummy half! 👏 pic.twitter.com/XtoKFUCA5o
— NRLW (@NRLWomens) October 5, 2025
Updated
29 mins: Another great defensive effort from the Broncos forces an error from Sergis, with Dam making a strong tackle. The Broncos are again in a dangerous position.
27 mins: The Roosters are building pressure with back to back sets and they go so close to scoring, but Brigginshaw comes up with a try-saving tackle over the sideline to preserve the Broncos’ lead. A great hit up by Sauaso for the Broncos makes 20m in pure determination.
25 mins: The Roosters look to be stepping up a little here – they force the Broncos to kick from within their own half and it gives them more momentum to start their set. A great grubber kick on the last evades Johnson, who can only knock it back into the in goal, but she manages to ground it for a line drop out.
23 mins: The Broncos have definitely looked like the stronger team so far today, even only being up by six so far. The Roosters look a little more tired and with fewer options, but they are a very strong team and can’t be written off. Upton knocks on close to her own line, but it’s missed by the referee.
21 mins: A great kick off from the Roosters forces a knock on from Robinson looking right into the sun. The Roosters will be hoping to capitalise on this field position. They immediately make a huge break through Burton, but they can’t break through the line. The Broncos keep them out for another set.
GOAL! Broncos 6-0 Roosters (Teitzel 19')
An easy conversion for Teitzel, basically right in front, and she nails it.
18 mins: Kernick looks like she’s got spiders on her for a minute, the defenders don’t want to touch her, but eventually they decide to bring her down and Kelleher puts up a challenging kick. The Broncos are trying to get quick play the balls, but the Roosters are determined to slow them down.
16 mins: The score is still 0-0, but it has been an action-packed start! Brigginshaw makes a great tackle break, offloads to Teitzel, but she’s forced to juggle the ball to keep hold of it, which gives the defenders time to bring her down.
Updated
14 mins: Lopamaua makes a fantastic surge for the Roosters, breaking multiple tackles, soon after coming off the bench. Again the Roosters get close to the tryline, but the Broncos defence is rock solid. Upton makes a huge break up the field for the Broncos, gets the offload away, but Strange pulls in an intercept to swing the momentum back to the Roosters before Lopamaua knocks on. It’s all happening here!
12 mins: Both teams are being forced into some spectacular defensive efforts on their own trylines with the ball travelling from end to end as fast as if we were watching a basketball game. The Broncos have injected Lenarduzzi off the bench already, they’re looking to make an impact very soon.
10 mins: Kelleher puts in a monster kick for the Roosters on the fourth tackle from inside the 40, but it’s not a 40/30. Again the Broncos make some huge breaks down the field, but the Roosters defence holds strong once again. They force a second kick from the Broncos to end the set, but it’s too deep and the Roosters get a seven tackle set.
Updated
8 mins: The Roosters go close but have another little panic on the fifth tackle, go backwards and get easily wrapped up, handing over the ball. The Broncos make a few little tackle breaks and then get a penalty to push their momentum forward. In a flash they’re at the other end of the field and attacking the tryline. Nasio puts in a great defensive play to pick up the ball for the Roosters on the last tackle of the set.
6 mins: A penalty to the Roosters gets them into good field position for the first time in this match. The Broncos immediately give away another penalty and the Roosters take the quick tap and dash down the field. They’re inside the ten with ball in hand.
4 mins: After letting the ball bounce from that fifth tackle kick, the Roosters go into panic mode a little and knock on midway through their set, giving the Broncos the ball back in decent field position. Broughton puts in a deft little kick for the Broncos on the fifth, regathers, gets a pass away, but some sensational tryline defence from the Roosters forces a handover.
2 mins: The Roosters start with a big pass and a strong hit up and there is plenty of fire from both teams. Kernick has an immediate impact with her first touch on the fourth tackle, making great ground. The Roosters put up a high kick and their defence is working hard from the Broncos’ first tackle. Both teams complete their first set – the Broncos get the ball back when their kick is allowed to bounce, but are wrapped up easily.
The Broncos have kicked off and we’re underway in the 2025 NRLW grand final!
Teams are on the field now and the kick off is imminent.
If you need a quick catch up on what to expect from this game, or some tips to sound like an expert as you’re chatting to friends this afternoon, check out this great preview by Jack Snape.
Don’t forget you can email me with your thoughts during the match – the link is at the top of the page. It will get pretty fast and frantic during the game, but I’d love to run through some of your theories, highlights and any gripes with the refereeing during the half-time break!
A couple of late changes to those teams. For the Roosters, a calf injury to Amber Hall means that Jayde Herdegen will make her NRLW from the bench in a grand final. For the Broncos, there has been one switch from the team named earlier, with Destiny Brill coming into the starting side and Jada Ferguson coming off the bench.
Team list: Sydney Roosters
1. Brydie Parker
5. Jayme Fressard
3. Jessica Sergis
4. Isabelle Kelly
16. Mia Wood
6. Corban Baxter
7. Jocelyn Kelleher
8. Otesa Pule
9. Keeley Davis
10. Rima Butler
11. Aliyah Nasio
12. Jasmin Strange
13. Olivia Kernick
Interchange
14. Shawden Burton
15. Macie Carlile
17. Eliza Lopamaua
18. Jayde Herdegen
Reserve
18. Taniesha Gray
LOCKED IN 🐓 pic.twitter.com/bgBNqYMkqq
— NRLW (@NRLWomens) October 5, 2025
Updated
Team list: Brisbane Broncos
1. Tamika Upton
2. Kerri Johnson
3. Mele Hufanga
4. Julia Robinson
5. Hayley Maddick
6. Gayle Broughton
7. Ali Brigginshaw
8. Annetta-Claudia Nu’uausala
14.Destiny Brill
10. Brianna Clark
11. Lauren Dam
12. Romy Teitzel
13. Keilee Joseph
Interchange
9. Jada Ferguson
15. Chelsea Lenarduzzi
16. Shenae Ciesiolka
17. Shalom Sauaso
Reserve
18. Reegan Hicks
FINAL TEAM 🐴 pic.twitter.com/JDZAMD3coI
— NRLW (@NRLWomens) October 5, 2025
Updated
Preamble
Hello and welcome to the NRLW grand final! It’s a competition that has grown bigger and better each season, from just four teams back in 2018 to a much more significant 12 teams. And yet, somehow we still ended up with the Roosters and Broncos in the grand final, just as we did back in 2018. Nevertheless, we persist!
Both teams have been outstanding this season – the Roosters are yet to be defeated in 2025 and the Broncos have lost only one game. Both sides have superstars all across the park and either are very capable of taking this out on their day.
They have not met since round three – back in July – when the Roosters got the win by just four points. That day, the Roosters got the jump early, got out to a strong half-time lead, before the Broncos put on a second half fightback. Olivia Kernick scored a late try to get the defending premiers over the line in a highly entertaining game. If both teams are up for repeating their antics from that game, we will be in for a treat today.
There is plenty of excitement ahead of us, so let’s get into it!
