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The Brisbane Broncos overcame a spirited Sydney team recovery to claim their fourth NRLW title with a narrow triumph in a tightly contested and intense grand final marked by hard hits and a shoving match at the conclusion.

Debated Decisive Try Delivers Victory

The Brisbane side were beneficiaries in having the crucial, championship-sealing try awarded by the review official, after Mele Hufanga appeared to be stopped by opposition players and her marker. With just a few minutes remaining, the Broncos centre – who was honoured as Karyn Murphy Medallist – touched down the ball to push her side into the lead. Although the try was confirmed, the footage was far from conclusive.

“Wow, the players really dedicated all campaign for that,” the fullback stated. “We got a bit comfortable at midway. The Roosters fought back like the title-holders they are, but [I’m] so proud of the team, notably our youth stepping up.”

Sydney Run Broken

The victory ended an impressive unbeaten run from the Sydney side, who had also secured their previous five matches against the Brisbane. After a uneven initial stages, the minor premiers faced a significant shortfall. But they responded 10 minutes the second half, when Parker penetrated the opposition defense to score a spectacular try direct from a set piece.

Dramatic Momentum Shift

Seconds prior, Maddick Hayley Maddick was centimeters away from an turnover that would have put the Broncos up comfortably ahead. But she couldn’t keep control of it, and the midfield scrum shifted the momentum in an moment. Within a short time, the Sydney were on equal terms after a Roosters player resisted tackles at bay to touch down.

Final Action

The opposition then put their noses in front by a sharp unexpected attack set up by Destiny Brill and Sergis, and finished by Wood in the edge. They weathered a close call soon after later, when Robinson Robinson capitalized on a handling error from the opposition. But the review system brought play back the call, much to the frustrations of tens of thousands of supporters.

Supporters were elated soon after though a Broncos player scored with under 10 minutes to go. A failed conversion left the Roosters maintaining a two point lead, until the centre went over to seal the victory for the Brisbane.

Resilient Kelly

“When you consider our squad and the difficulties and the toughness that we’ve cultivated this year with so many absences to important members, I’m extremely proud that the result was competitive because we just dug so deep and we did everything we could for one another.”

Injury Challenges

They missed playmaker Aiken to a serious knee injury earlier ago, and suffered a blow before the contest had even begun. Winger the winger injured her ACL at the day before training session, leading to a last-minute adjustment. the substitute shifted from the interchange onto the flank.

Coaching Masterstroke

But that was not the only adjustment. Mentor the coach decided to field Destiny Brill at number 9 and Jada Ferguson from the reserves. The decision looked a smart play in the first period in when Jada Ferguson barged over from a quick play for her team’s additional points.

Memorable Achievement

Since taking over in the previous season, Prince has steered the Brisbane back towards the summit of the NRLW. The clash also had individual importance, marking 20 years’ since his man of the match showing in the NRL grand final for the his former club. But his contribution to the this team could be more impactful. Their win on game day was their maiden championship since 2020, and confirmed their position as the nation’s top women’s club.