Overview: A Grand Final to Remember
The 2025 NRLW Grand Final delivered one of the fiercest, most dramatic matches in the competition’s history. The Brisbane Broncos stopped the Sydney Roosters’ undefeated season with a 22-18 victory at Accor Stadium, thanks to a late, decisive try from Mele Hufanga. It was the kind of game that will sit in memories for years, especially given the fiery melee that followed the final whistle and left spectators praising it as a grand final for the ages.
The Turning Points: Moments that Defined the Night
From the opening whistle, the game crackled with intensity. Roosters’ centre Jessica Sergis produced a goal-line tackle to deny Broncos’ Lauren Dam early, setting the tone for a physical affair. A series of edge-of-seat plays followed, including a controversial moment when Ali Brigginshaw’s long-range bomb led to a Brydie Parker error — a miscue that threatened to tilt momentum away from Brisbane. Replays showed a double knock-on, complicating the narrative but not extinguishing the Broncos’ resolve.
Tamika Upton’s early burst for Brisbane put the Broncos ahead after a show-and-go in the backline. Jada Ferguson’s try from dummy half extended Brisbane’s lead, while a significant head clash between Parker and Parker’s assistant added a dramatic sideline subplot as Parker exited for a HIA. The Roosters rallied, with Tamika Upton and company facing a determined Brisbane defense that held firm when it mattered most.
Midgame Momentum Shifts
The Roosters managed to topple the Broncos’ advantage with a series of attacking sequences. A stunning solo effort from Parker, who returned from the HIA, and a long-range score from Shawden Burton helped swing the momentum, with Eliza Lopoamaua and Olivia Kernick contributing to an eventual Roosters’ level game. The scoreboard tension intensified as Brisbane’s defense repelled late surges, keeping the match within a score as the clock wound down.
Late Drama and the Finishing Touch
With about 15 minutes left, the Roosters appeared to edge ahead through a Wood finish, followed by a forward surge that saw Robinson seemingly restore the Broncos’ advantage only for a Bunker ruling to erase the score due to a knock-on in the buildup. Shalom Sauaso responded for the Broncos with a close-range try, trimming the gap and leaving the Roosters clinging to a slender lead.
Then came the decisive moment: Mele Hufanga powered over for Brisbane, lifting the Broncos to a 22-18 lead. The Bunker checked grounding on several occasions, but Hufanga’s try proved decisive as the Broncos clinched the premiership in front of a roar from their fans. The post-siren melee between players from both sides will be debated in the days to come, but it underscored the passion and intensity of a grand final that refused to be ordinary.
Key Performances and Awards
Hufanga was crowned the Karen Murphy Medal winner for her standout performance, recording 199 metres, 18 tackle busts, two linebreaks, and the match-winning try. Roosters’ resilience shone through across the park, with multiple players contributing to a hard-fought effort that, despite the loss, reinforced why Sydney has been the benchmark in NRLW this season.
Team Lines and Context
The Roosters entered the decider undefeated, hoping to complete back-to-back premierships. They leaned on a star-studded backline featuring Isabelle Kelly and Jess Sergis, with Olivia Kernick driving creativity as a go-to ball handler. For Brisbane, Tamika Upton led the squad as a reigning Dally M medallist, supported by the likes of Julia Robinson, Ali Brigginshaw, and Romy Teitzel. The result confirmed Brisbane’s status as the most successful club in NRLW history, while the Roosters’ continued dominance promises an equally compelling road back next season.
Looking Ahead
With the 2025 season in the books, both clubs can build on this showcase of talent, depth, and grit. The Grand Final’s enduring image may well be the post-match melee and the moment Hufanga crossed, sealing a narrative that will be used as a benchmark for future NRLW grand finals. Fans will be talking about this one for years as the competition continues to grow in skill and prestige.
