NRLW 2025 Grand Final: Sydney Roosters vs Brisbane Broncos – a high-stakes showdown
The 2025 NRLW Grand Final delivered a gripping, high-intensity encounter between the Sydney Roosters and the Brisbane Broncos, two teams that have sharpened their games all season. Built on a tense tactical battle and moments of individual brilliance, this match showcased why the women’s game continues to grow, attracting bigger crowds and sharper competition with every passing season.
First-half: Broncos’ control and late Roosters push
The opening exchanges were all about the Broncos’ structure and pace. By 19 minutes, Teitzel’s conversion opened the scoring for Brisbane after an industrious buildup from Upton and Hufanga. The Broncos’ defense stifled the Roosters’ early efforts, forcing handling errors and repelling multiple Roosters forays near the line. A 12-0 advantage at the half-hour mark underscored Brisbane’s control and their ability to apply pressure through quick play-the-balls and solid line breaks.
Key moments in the first half included a powerful sequence where Hufanga’s carries and Upton’s supporting runs kept the Broncos’ tempo high. Clinching the first try of the evening, Parker’s breakout efforts and Lenarduzzi’s bench impact helped Brisbane translate territorial domination into points. By halftime, the Broncos led 12-0, reflecting their efficiency but also hinting at the Roosters’ danger if momentum could be shifted late in the half.
Second half: Roosters rally and late drama
After the break, Sydney found their rhythm and mounted a spirited comeback. A series of well-constructed sets saw the Roosters hit back with tries from Lopamaua (50’) and Wood (53’), lifting the energy around the venue. Kelleher’s sensational boot added crucial scoreboard pressure with a 55’ goal that pushed the Roosters ahead 18-16, signaling a dramatic finish in a grand final that had become a see-saw affair.
Brisbane responded through Upton and Hufanga, and the game swung on a series of pivotal moments. A 65th-minute try by Hufanga and a successful conversion by Clark nudged Brisbane back into a slender lead at 22-18, leaving Sydney with precious little time. The Roosters, facing a late drop in momentum and injuries across the park, fought hard to engineer a late crack at the Broncos’ line, but Brisbane’s defense held firm in the dying stages.
Key players and turning points
Mele Hufanga emerged as a standout for Brisbane, delivering standout line breaks and consistent metres, while Upton’s influence in attack and defense anchored the Broncos’ progress. For Sydney, Jocelyn Kelleher’s goalkicking and late-game pressure were critical in keeping the Roosters within reach, as Mitchell-like forward bursts from Parker and Kernick helped swing momentum in the second half.
In a grand final of twists, the bunker review also influenced crucial decisions near the try-line, underscoring the ongoing importance of video officiating in shaping outcomes in the NRLW’s marquee fixture.
Post-match outlook
Brisbane’s resilience and experience in closing stages paid off in a tight, physical contest that reflected the league’s growth and the depth of talent on show. Sydney’s season-long unbeaten run proved they can compete with the top side when match conditions align in their favor. With both teams establishing themselves as championship contenders, the 2025 Grand Final further cements the NRLW’s narrative: elite athletes, strategic coaching, and a passionate fanbase converging for a defining moment in women’s rugby league.
What this means for fans and the future
For supporters, the 2025 Grand Final offered a blueprint of the sport’s evolving tactical landscape: quick ball movement, robust defense, and players stepping up when it matters most. The match’s close scoreline and dramatic late changes should energize discussions about player development, coaching strategies, and the push toward even longer, more physically demanding games as the league continues to mature.
