Sydney’s women’s rugby league side delivered a masterclass on the grand stage, overwhelming the Brisbane Broncos 30‑6 at Accor Stadium and sealing a flawless season with a third NRLW championship. The Roosters, who had already amassed an unbeaten record of 11 regular‑season wins, turned the Grand Final into a showcase of their depth, skill, and relentless determination, confirming their status as the dominant force in the competition. From the opening whistle, the Roosters imposed their will. A first‑half onslaught saw six tries cross the line, each one highlighting a different facet of the team’s attacking arsenal.
Corban Baxter and Millie Elliott, two of the league’s most celebrated veterans, were given a fitting farewell, their contributions highlighted by a blitz of points that left the Broncos reeling. Baxter, known for her incisive running lines, sliced through the Broncos’ defensive wall twice, while Elliott’s powerful carries and uncanny ability to find space resulted in two more scores.
Their combined effort contributed to a half‑time lead that seemed insurmountable. The Roosters’ scoring barrage was not the work of just two players. Brydie Parker, who had already notched a try earlier in the match, completed her own hat‑trick before the hour mark, pushing the scoreboard to a commanding 30‑0.
Her speed off the mark and clinical finishing under pressure exemplified why she is regarded as one of the competition’s most lethal finishers. Supporting her were Tarryn Aiken, Isabelle Kelly, Jayme Fressard and Amber Hall, each of whom added a try to the tally, underscoring the team’s collective potency rather than reliance on a single star. Brisbane’s lone consolation came late, when Jesse Southwell managed to cross the line in the 63rd minute, finally putting points on the board. By then, the outcome was already decided, and the Roosters were already celebrating a victory that capped a perfect 12‑0 season, a feat that has rarely been achieved in any professional sport.
The win also marked the Roosters’ third premiership in their brief but illustrious history, following triumphs in 2021 and 2024, and cemented a period of dominance that has seen them win 31 of their last 32 matches. Beyond the scoreline, the Grand Final carried emotional weight for several key figures.
Millie Elliott, who announced her retirement after the match, reflected on the journey: “Everyone knows what that felt like and we definitely used that as motivation all season, not just in this game, all season,” she said, acknowledging the collective drive that propelled the team forward. Elliott also praised head coach John Strangey and his staff, noting that “they really left no stone unturned this year and we wanted to put in a performance like that.” Her words highlighted the meticulous preparation and strategic planning that underpinned the Roosters’ success. Captain Isabelle Kelly, who lifted the trophy on behalf of her teammates, spoke of the season’s significance: “I knew that this year we're creating something special, and I think we're building and made that our best game yet. I love you guys and I'm so glad that we get to do this together.” Kelly’s leadership has been a cornerstone of the Roosters’ culture, fostering a sense of unity and purpose that translated into on‑field excellence.
Kelly also paid tribute to her retiring teammates, especially Baxter and Elliott, emphasizing the lasting impact they have had on the club and the league: “To Corban and Millie, you guys have been absolutely incredible for this NRLW competition, but mostly for the Roosters. The impact that you guys have had on us, Millie, you being a mum, it's just created such a special bond for us to look forward to for many years.
And you'll always be a Rooster.” Her remarks underscored how the Roosters have cultivated a family‑like atmosphere, where personal milestones are celebrated alongside sporting achievements. For the Broncos, the defeat was a bitter conclusion to a season that had promised much. The loss also marked the end of an era for Ali Brigginshaw, the Broncos’ iconic captain, who announced her retirement following the match. Brigginshaw’s career has been defined by leadership, skill, and an unwavering commitment to growing women’s rugby league.
Although the Grand Final did not end in the way she would have hoped, her legacy remains intact, and her influence will continue to inspire future generations of female athletes. The 2026 NRLW Grand Final will be remembered not only for the Roosters’ dominant performance but also for the narratives that intersected on the field: the farewell of two beloved veterans, the crowning of a perfect season, and the passing of the torch to a new generation of talent.
The Roosters’ blend of experienced campaigners and emerging stars created a template for success that other clubs will undoubtedly study. Looking ahead, the Roosters face the challenge of maintaining their high standards. With several key players now retired or contemplating future moves, the coaching staff will need to integrate fresh talent while preserving the winning culture that has become synonymous with the club. Meanwhile, the Broncos will regroup, aiming to rebuild around the experience of Brigginshaw’s leadership and the promising young players who showed flashes of brilliance throughout the season.
In the broader context of women’s sport, the Grand Final highlighted the growing popularity and professionalism of the NRLW. Attendance figures, broadcast viewership, and media coverage have all surged, reflecting a public appetite for high‑quality women's rugby league. The Roosters’ flawless run and the dramatic storylines surrounding the match have contributed to a narrative that positions the NRLW as a premier competition, capable of delivering compelling drama and athletic excellence. As the confetti settled on the field and the Roosters lifted the trophy, the club’s fans celebrated not just a victory, but the culmination of a journey defined by perseverance, teamwork, and a relentless pursuit of greatness.
The 2026 season will be recorded in the annals of the sport as a benchmark for excellence, and the Roosters, with their third premiership, have firmly etched their name among the legends of NRLW history.