Epic NRLW Grand Final 2025 Kick-off: Roosters vs Broncos
The NRLW Grand Final 2025 is underway with a high-stakes showdown between the Sydney Roosters and the Brisbane Broncos. It’s a sunny Sydney afternoon, and the atmosphere is electric as both teams line up for the ceremonial kick-off. Broncos kick to the Roosters, with Jasmin Strange taking heavy contact early and Keeley Davis sending a towering bomb that Tamika Upton handles comfortably. The score remains tied early, Broncos 0, Roosters 0, but the intensity is undeniable as the two premiership contenders collide in the season’s culmination.
Key Players to Watch and Early Impact
Olivia Kernick has been a fixture in Roosters’ leadership, and her 2023-2024 campaigns have seen a rapid climb—from a Dally M Medal to an NRLW premiership and national team duties. At just 24, Kernick has matured into a go-to voice on the field, while her coaches and teammates have helped her grow into a genuine on-field leader. She emphasizes that leadership, rather than spotlight, is the core of her role this grand final week.
On the field, the Roosters rely on a compact, disciplined forward pack and a livewire backline. The team’s resilience was on display in the semi-final, where a 17-16 victory over Cronulla was sealed by a Jocelyn Kelleher field goal. The Broncos, meanwhile, are the form team of the back half of the season, entering the final with one defeat to the Roosters in Round 3 and a stingy defensive record as the calendar turned. The analysts’ consensus: it could come down to execution in key moments rather than sheer volume of possession.
Coaching, Changes, and Strategic Edge
Both clubs have adjusted their matchday squads ahead of kick-off. The Roosters have been forced to reshuffle after winger Taina Naividi picked up a knee injury in the captain’s run, with Mia Wood stepping into the starting side and Jayde Herdegen added to the bench. The Broncos made a notable switch, promoting livewire Destiny Brill to starting hooker, shuffling Jada Ferguson to the bench. These changes set the stage for a tactical encounter as both teams look to exploit mismatches and tempo.
Storylines and Fan Support
Fans travelled from all corners to witness the 2025 grand final, including Alison Sipinkas and her aunt Julie Darby. Sipinkas, a Melbourne Storm supporter, shared her admiration for the women’s game, while Darby travelled from Brisbane to back the Roosters in this moment. Their conversations reflect the broader debate about whether the women’s final should precede the men’s, with supporters arguing that a full, vibrant stadium experience helps elevate the women’s game to its deserved spotlight.
Warriors Win State Championship: A Regional Highlight
While the NRLW Grand Final captures global attention, another dramatic chapter unfolded in the state championships. The Warriors secured a state title in a hard-fought match that underscored the growth of the game at a regional level. The victory adds another layer of momentum to a sport that continues to expand beyond the traditional powerhouses, delivering more opportunities for players to shine on big stages.
Prediction and Post-Match Outlook
Experts offer varied predictions, but the narrative points toward a Broncos breakthrough today. The Roosters’ sustained pressure and leadership will be tested by Brisbane’s pace and defensive discipline. My pick leans Broncos 24, Roosters 14, with Tamika Upton starring for the Broncos, earning the Karyn Murphy Medal as a deserved standout. Regardless of the outcome, the 2025 NRLW Grand Final will be remembered for its competitive balance, the emergence of new stars, and a renewed push for parity and recognition of women’s rugby league.
Looking Ahead
As the grand final wraps up, attention will turn to post-match celebrations, player interviews, and the ongoing development of the NRLW competition. The season has reinforced the idea that the women’s game is increasingly a marquee event, blending elite sport with compelling storytelling that resonates with fans across Australia and beyond.
