Sydney Roosters Reach NRLW Grand Final After Defeating Canberra Raiders

The Sydney Roosters have secured their place in a third consecutive NRLW grand final following a 20-10 victory over the Canberra Raiders at Sydney Football Stadium. The win keeps the Roosters' undefeated run intact following an 11-game regular season win streak as they pursue another premiership title.

Early Dominance Sets Up First-Half Lead

The Roosters took control early in the preliminary final match, scoring within the opening two minutes. Returning winger Jayme Fressard, who had missed three games due to a hand injury, crossed in the left corner off a pass from captain Isabelle Kelly.

The hosts extended their lead following a penalty against Raiders fullback Sheridan Gallagher for pulling Kelly's hair during a 50-metre line break. Capitalising on the resulting set of six, prop Rima Butler scored under the posts. A successful conversion from Jocelyn Kelleher pushed the Roosters ahead 10-0.

Canberra responded shortly before the break through five-eighth Krystal Blackwell. After leaving the field briefly to treat a nosebleed and change into jersey number 25, Blackwell returned to exploit a gap created by halves partner Zahara Temara, scoring in the 32nd minute to leave the score at 10-4 at half-time.

Late Aiken Try Seals Victory

The Roosters built on their lead in the second half after a high kick by Kelleher bounced dangerously near the Raiders' line. Isabella Waterman allowed the ball to bounce, enabling centre Jessica Sergis to seize possession and score her 17th try of the season, taking the margin to 16-4.

Canberra kept the match competitive during a tense final stretch. Chante Temara provided a short pass near the line to set up a try for England international Hollie-Mae Dodd, cutting the deficit to six points at 16-10 with eight minutes remaining.

However, halfback Tarryn Aiken solidified the Roosters' victory late in the game with an angled run to score, sealing the 20-10 result. The Sydney Roosters will now advance to the October 4 grand final, where they will face the winner of the preliminary final match between the Gold Coast Titans and the Brisbane Broncos.