NRLW Grand Final 2025: Broncos take on Roosters in a showpiece clash
The 2025 NRLW season has delivered one of the most anticipated grand finals in the league’s short history. At Accor Stadium, the Brisbane Broncos and the Sydney Roosters meet in a winner-takes-all clash that doubles as a celebration of the women’s game and a test of supremacy across the competition. The Roosters enter the final having marched unbeaten through the season, while the Broncos arrive chasing a fourth premiership after a hat-trick of titles in the league’s early years. This game promises drama, skill, and a display of elite female rugby league talent.
Key matchups to watch
Both squads boast star power across the paddock, and the on-field battles could decide the title. For the Broncos, Tamika Upton, Julia Robinson, and Gayle Broughton are among the leaders expected to steer Brisbane through an aggressive Roosters defence. The Roosters counter with Isabelle Kelly, Jocelyn Kelleher, and Olivia Kernick, who have been central to the club’s unbeaten run. It’s a clash of experience and pace that could shape the tempo of the final.
How the last performances set the tone
In a tense start to the match, the Broncos struck first through a sharp set-play that saw Tamika Upton slice through the Roosters’ line. The Roosters hit back late in the first half after a strong defensive sequence, but a critical error at the final third of the field allowed Brisbane to extend the lead. The half-time scoreline reflected a clinical Brisbane approach: disciplined ball security with measured pressure coming from quick taps and decisive loops.
Turning points and tactical battles
Early in the second half, the Roosters faced the loss of defensive momentum and were forced to reshuffle after an HIA. The Broncos’ combination play, led by Upton and Robinson, exploited the spaces left by the Roosters’ reshuffle. Brisbane also capitalised on the kicking game, pinning the Roosters deep and forcing errors. For the Roosters, guard duty around their edges will be crucial as they look to reset and find a route back into the game.
Why this final matters for the NRLW
This grand final is more than a trophy moment. It represents the convergence of two well-drilled programs that have produced some of the most entertaining rugby league seen on the women’s stage. Brisbane seeks to add a fourth premiership to their growing legacy, while Sydney eyes a back-to-back title run that would cement their status as a dominant force of the era. The matchup also showcases depth across positions, with bench impact and strategic substitutions likely to swing momentum in a tense second half.
What fans can expect from live coverage
Sunday night’s broadcast on Channel 9 will offer more than the on-field action. NRL.com’s live blog will provide minute-by-minute updates, including injuries, substitutions, and turning points. Off the field, both clubs have highlighted their journey this season—from early-season hurdles to a sustained sprint to the decider—capturing the imagination of fans across the country and beyond.
Milestones and storylines
Key individual milestones add extra flavor: the Roosters’ Brydie Parker returns in some capacity as part of a late-match plan, while Brisbane will look to Tamika Upton to notch her 50th NRLW game and add to a historic season that has already included personal awards and standout performances. The coaching duel between John Strange and Scott Prince adds another layer of intrigue, with both leaders aiming to cap remarkable campaigns with the sport’s ultimate prize.
Final thoughts
As the whistle approaches, the NRLW Grand Final is set to deliver a compelling narrative: a clash of styles, a showcase of speed and skill, and a celebration of the best women’s rugby league has to offer. Whether the Broncos extend their premiership legacy or the Roosters complete an emotional unbeaten season, this encounter will be remembered as a milestone for the league and a marker for the growth of women’s sport.
