Overview: A grand final that delivered intensity and edge-of-seat drama
The 2025 NRLW Grand Final brought together two of the competition’s most consistent teams, the Sydney Roosters and the Brisbane Broncos, in a match that lived up to the occasion. The Roosters arrived undefeated in 2025, while the Broncos carried the form of a side that had lost just one game all season. From the opening minutes, it was clear this would be a tightly contested affair, with relentless pace, physical defense, and moments of individual brilliance shaping the narrative.
First half: Broncos establish the edge
Brisbane struck early, with Teitzel converting a 19th-minute try to put the Broncos ahead 6-0. The Broncos’ rhythm was palpable as Hufanga sparked several breaks and Teitzel’s kicking game kept the Roosters under pressure. A string of impressive defensive displays by Brisbane stifled Sydney’s early momentum, with a standout sequence seeing Brigginshaw’s control in attack and a staunch Broncos’ defense that kept the Roosters scoreless for the first 35 minutes. By halftime, Brisbane led 12-0, having added a second try through Upton and a precise conversion for a 12-point buffer. The statistics reflected a Broncos’ edge: more line breaks and higher tackle activity, underscoring their dominance in the first 40 minutes.
Second half: Roosters rally as late drama unfolds
After the break, Sydney mounted a determined comeback. Parker’s post-contact meters and Kernick’s urgency helped swing momentum, and the Roosters’ defense tightened as they chased a congested scoreboard. A pivotal moment arrived when Kelleher nailed a late 50/60 metre kick, followed by a solo try from Lopamaua that brought the Roosters within striking distance. The Roosters pulled within two points when Wood crossed in the left corner, and the subsequent Kelleher conversion tied the game at 12-12. The Broncos then found a second wind, with Hufanga again making a sizeable impact and Upton adding a crucial try to extend the lead.
With the clock ticking and the Roosters pressing for an outright lead, the game fermented into a tense sprint to the finish. A sequence of powerful carries, determined tackles, and high-stakes kicking turned the grand final into a chess match, as both sides refused to yield. In a dramatic late twist, a field goal-like moment and a string of conversions kept the scores tight, with the Broncos ultimately edging the contest and maintaining pressure on the Roosters in the dying minutes. The final phases produced multiple turnovers, line breaks and last-gasp plays that epitomized the contest’s intensity.
Key players and moments
Mele Hufanga was a standout for Brisbane, delivering line breaks and ball-running that repeatedly disrupted Sydney’s defenses. Brianna Clark and Teitzel picked off moments in the Broncos’ kicking game, while Upton’s speed and vision created several dangerous opportunities. For the Roosters, Jocelyn Kelleher’s precise kicking and Olivia Kernick’s aggressive carries were crucial catalysts for the comeback, with Parker’s decisive metres from the kick returns setting up late pressure.
Final thoughts: What this grand final means for NRLW
The 2025 Grand Final reinforced the NRLW’s rapid growth and competitive depth. Both teams showcased elite skill, strategic nous and resilience, reinforcing why this match has become a marquee event in the women’s game. As the competition expands and more players rise to the occasion, the 2025 final will be remembered for its late-game drama, standout individual contributions, and the relentless pace that defines contemporary women’s rugby league.
