Sydney’s women’s rugby league side delivered a commanding performance at Accor Stadium, overwhelming the Brisbane Broncos with a 30-6 triumph that capped an unbeaten campaign and secured the club’s third NRLW premiership. The Roosters, who entered the Grand Final having won every one of their eleven regular‑season fixtures, launched a ferocious first‑half onslaught that saw six different players cross the try line, including seasoned campaigners Corban Baxter and Millie Elliott, who were given a fitting farewell in front of a packed crowd. From the opening whistle, Sydney’s attacking intent was unmistakable. The team executed a series of crisp set‑plays and exploited gaps in the Broncos’ defensive line, resulting in a rapid accumulation of points.
Brydie Parker, who had already been in scintillating form throughout the season, added two tries to her tally, while Tarryn Aiken, Isabelle Kelly, Jayme Fressard and Amber Hall each contributed a try of their own. By the 30‑minute mark, the scoreboard read a staggering 30‑0 in favour of the Roosters, a lead that effectively decided the contest. The Roosters’ dominance was not merely a product of raw power; it reflected a meticulously crafted game plan orchestrated by head coach John Strangey and his staff.
Throughout the year, the coaching team left no detail unattended, focusing on fitness, skill development and mental resilience. Their efforts bore fruit on Sunday, when the squad displayed a level of cohesion and precision that few teams have managed to replicate in the short history of the women’s competition. For the Broncos, the day was a bitter disappointment.
After a strong season that saw them reach the final for a second consecutive year, they were unable to stem the Roosters’ early surge. It was not until the 63rd minute that Jesse Southwell managed to break through and register the first points for Brisbane, but the try arrived far too late to alter the trajectory of the match.
The Broncos’ loss also marked the conclusion of a distinguished career for veteran captain Ali Brigginshaw, who announced her retirement following the defeat. Her departure adds a poignant note to an otherwise celebratory evening for Sydney. The Grand Final also served as a heartfelt send‑off for forward Millie Elliott, who announced her retirement after the game.
Elliott reflected on the season’s journey, noting that the memory of the previous year’s Grand Final loss to Brisbane had been a powerful motivator throughout the campaign. “Everyone knows what that felt like and we definitely used that as motivation all season, not just in this game, all season,” she said. Elliott praised the coaching staff for their exhaustive preparation, adding, “I take my hat off to John Strangey and the coaching staff, they really left no stone unturned this year and we wanted to put in a performance like that.” Captain Isabelle Kelly, who lifted the premiership trophy on behalf of the team, expressed her pride in the squad’s achievements.
“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,” she said.
Kelly also paid tribute to her teammates Baxter and Elliott, highlighting the lasting impact they have had on the club and the broader NRLW landscape. “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,” Kelly added. Statistically, the Roosters’ victory cemented an extraordinary record: 31 wins in their last 32 games, underscoring a period of sustained excellence that has seen them capture two premierships in the past three seasons. Their flawless season—winning every regular‑season match and then the Grand Final—places them among the elite clubs in the sport’s history, a benchmark that future teams will aspire to match.
Beyond the scoreboard, the match highlighted the growing prominence of women’s rugby league in Australia. The Grand Final attracted a sizable crowd and extensive media coverage, reflecting the sport’s expanding fan base and the increasing professionalisation of the women’s game. Players like Parker, Kelly and Aiken have become household names, inspiring the next generation of female athletes to pursue rugby league at the highest level. In the aftermath of the game, the Roosters celebrated their triumph with a night of revelry, while also acknowledging the contributions of those departing the sport.
The club’s leadership emphasized that the success was a collective effort, involving not only the players on the field but also the support staff, medical team, and the broader Roosters community. Looking ahead, Sydney will aim to maintain its high standards and continue to dominate the competition, while Brisbane will regroup and seek to rebuild after the loss and the retirement of key veterans. The NRLW landscape remains competitive, with several clubs investing heavily in talent development and coaching expertise, ensuring that the rivalry between the Roosters and Broncos—and other emerging powerhouses—will produce compelling contests in the seasons to come. In summary, the 2025 NRLW Grand Final will be remembered as a showcase of Sydney’s tactical brilliance, physical dominance, and unwavering determination.
The 30‑6 victory over Brisbane not only secured a third premiership for the Roosters but also solidified their place in the annals of women’s rugby league as a benchmark of excellence, resilience, and teamwork.