Dominant Sydney Roosters blitz Brisbane Broncos in NRLW grand final – live reaction

SYDNEY, 4 OCTOBER 2026 —

We now hear from the winning captain Isabelle Kelly after her team receives their premiership rings. “Firstly, I just want to thank the Brisbane Broncos . There’s such a great respect for you guys. I think you set the standard for this competition as well.

“To BYD and all our other sponsors. What we do at the Roosters wouldn’t be possible without what you guys are putting into our game and our club. It never goes unnoticed and we’re truly appreciative of everything that you do to the club, to the girls, to the staff, to strategy. There’s such a great love that I have for you guys.

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.

“And lastly, 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.” Tamika Upton speaks on behalf of her team and she’s clearly hurting, but makes time to acknowledge the tragedy in Newcastle. “Firstly, I’d just like to acknowledge the families of the tragedy yesterday in Newcastle. On behalf of myself and the Brisbane Broncos , just sending love and best wishes to the Newcastle community. To the NRL, to all the sponsors growing this incredible game. Thank you very much.

What an incredible season it was for Sydney Roosters. To Strangey and Izzy, you guys are incredible. It’s no coincidence you’re up here doing what you do today. We’re definitely all striving to be what you guys are. And lastly, to my team. I love you guys. Hell of a hell of a season. I’m very proud of you all. Thank you.” Aiken was sensational today, a well-deserved Karyn Murphy Medal winner.

She is full of praise for her team and the opposition. “I’d just like to thank the Broncos for a great game and a great season. Especially Ali on a great career. Just so proud of everyone. One hell of a season undefeated and a special mention to Corban and Millie going out on top.” We’re now hearing from Ali Brigginshaw, who is disappointed, but proud of the effort.

“I was trying to keep it together out there. It was a tough game. The Roosters played to perfection and they’ve had a great year, and I’m just really proud of the girls. I wouldn’t want to do it with anyone else. I know it sucks losing, but really proud of this group and the year we’ve had. “Thanks everyone for the support and showing up for NRLW today. Congrats to the Roosters!

You were the better team on the day.” We hear from one of the retirees now, with Millie Elliott full of emotion. “I take my hat off to Strangie and the coaching staff,” she says. “They really left no stone unturned this year, and we wanted to put in a performance like that.

We knew we were capable of a performance like that and I couldn’t be more proud to be here today.” She speaks beautifully about the end of her career. “I just want to say thank you to everyone who supported me and been there for me, it’s obviously a special game for both teams. Ali Brigginshaw is finishing up and so is Corban Baxter.

And you know, the Broncos are the team that gave me my first opportunity in rugby league and I wouldn’t be where I am without them and the Knights as well. So I’ve had an incredible career, but it’s only thanks to those people who have been there along the way to make it what it is.

So I just want to say thank you very much to Ali Brigginshaw and Corban Baxter for all they’ve done. They’ve been playing long before me.” The Roosters finish their perfect season – staying undefeated and winning their third NRLW premiership. There is a lot of emotion on the field and much celebration. Sending off legends of the game Corban Baxter and Millie Elliott with a fairytale ending is the icing on the cake.

69 mins: There are celebrations on the sidelines now from the Roosters bench, but they’re still completely focused on the field. They are so strong on defence, while the Broncos look absolutely exhausted. They take a captain’s challenge to give themselves a little breather more than anything. It’s unsuccessful and the Roosters start another attacking set.

67 mins: The Broncos look a bit more up and about after getting some points on the board and they play a dynamic set, but Parker takes the ball from the kick without too much trouble. A simple conversion for Southwell and she breaks the season points-scoring record, which will be a small consolation for her. The Roosters march on after finding touch from the penalty and get back down into familiar territory.

Aiken makes some space and looks for the line, but the Broncos’ defence holds strong. Another chance for the Brisbane team to get some points on the board and Upton makes a line break, flicks the ball out to Southwell who scores under the post.