Roosters and Broncos Face Off in NRLW Grand Final as League Greats Prepare for Retirement

The Sydney Roosters and Brisbane Broncos are meeting on grand final day for the fourth time in nine NRLW seasons, marking a marquee match that features several decorated players and the final appearances of three rugby league stalwarts.

The contest marks the end of an era as Ali Brigginshaw, Millie Elliott, and Corban Baxter prepare to retire from the sport following the conclusion of the match. The trio's combined legacy is immense, with only one NRLW grand final in 2023 having ever been played without at least one of them taking the field. Today's match is just the second time all three are playing on grand final day together.

Histories and Title Hopes on the Line

Following today's outcome, either the Roosters or the Broncos will have claimed seven of the nine NRLW premierships awarded to date. Multiple individual players are chasing significant milestones in the decider. Tamika Upton is aiming to secure her sixth premiership, having previously won titles with the Broncos in 2019 and 2020, back-to-back crowns with Newcastle in 2022 and 2023, and a fifth title after returning to Red Hill last year.

Brisbane stalwarts Ali Brigginshaw, Julia Robinson, and Chelsea Lenarduzzi are each targeting their fifth championship with the Broncos. Roosters forward Millie Elliott is seeking her second title with Sydney and her fifth overall across three different clubs, having previously won premierships with both Brisbane and Newcastle.

Former Broncos premiership players Tarryn Aiken and Amber Hall are competing for their fourth grand final victories following previous wins in 2019, 2020, and 2024. Furthermore, Roosters players Isabelle Kelly, Jess Sergis, Brydie Parker, Jayme Fressard, Olivia Kernick, and Jocelyn Kelleher—alongside former Newcastle players Jesse Southwell, Romy Teitzel, and Jasmin Strange—are all pursuing their third premiership.

Grand Final Day Schedule and State Championship Action

The NRLW decider serves as part of a triple-header schedule in Sydney. Following the women's match between the Roosters and Broncos, the men's NRL grand final will feature the Sydney Roosters against the Newcastle Knights, preceded by a tribute to Jai Arrow.

Action earlier in the day included the State Championship between NSW Cup winners Penrith Panthers and Queensland Cup champions Redcliffe Dolphins. The Dolphins established a commanding early advantage, leading 40-4 at halftime before extending their margin early in the second half. Dolphins five-eighth Jake Averillo delivered a standout performance, recording three tries, three line breaks, and two try assists during the match.