Live: Roosters, Broncos clash in NRLW grand final rematch
For the fourth time in nine NRLW seasons, the Roosters and Broncos meet on grand final day with three greats of the game hanging up their boots. Follow live.
Source: ABC Australia · October 4, 2026 at 4:01 AM · AI-assisted report
Single-sourceSYDNEY, BONDI BEACH, BRISBANE, ENGLAND, 4 OCTOBER 2026 —
The Sydney Roosters and Brisbane Broncos will clash in the NRL Women’s (NRLW) grand final on Sunday, marking the fourth meeting of the two clubs in nine seasons, as three celebrated players prepare to retire after the day’s matches.
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The double‑header in Sydney also includes a tribute to former Roosters forward Jai Arrow before the men’s NRL grand final between the Roosters and the Newcastle Knights, and a State Championship match between the Penrith Panthers (NSW Cup winners) and the Redcliffe Dolphins (Queensland Cup champions).
The repeat Roosters‑Broncos showdown is significant because it brings together three of the game’s modern icons – Ali Brigginshaw, Millie Elliott and Corban Baxter – all of whom are playing their final NRLW match. Only one previous NRLW grand final, in 2023, was contested without at least one of the three, underscoring the rarity of the moment.
Fans gathered early at Bondi Beach, a traditional Roosters stronghold, to watch both the women’s and men’s finals. ABC Sport reporter Pokuah Frimpong spoke with supporters who had travelled long distances for the occasion.
One female fan, who arrived from Brisbane, said she had been trying to secure a ticket since Monday and had missed out, but remained hopeful: “I’ve been trying since Monday, unfortunately missed out… but I haven’t lost faith, got a couple hours to go, if not, we’ll see what happens.” She added that she was in Sydney to honour her father, who died 15 years ago, carrying his urn and taking photos of Roosters memorabilia: “I travelled down from Brisbane because my dad passed away 15 years ago, so I’m here to honour his legacy… I’m going around with his urn, taking pictures of him everywhere he is around all the Sydney Roosters stuff, so means a lot to me to be here.”
Frimpong also interviewed John, a supporter who flew in from England.
He recalled supporting the Australian national side as a child and wearing the Eastern Suburbs kit as a junior: “Supported the Chooks when I was nine years old, the Eastern Suburbs kit was the same kit I wore as a junior.” He said he pays an annual membership fee for the Roosters despite rarely seeing the team live, adding that when he does attend he is hard to miss: “When he does see them live, you won’t miss him – an inflatable Rooster is his usual get‑up.”
The day’s schedule begins with the State Championship, where the Redcliffe Dolphins led Penrith 40‑4 after the first half and extended the margin early in the second half. Dolphins five‑eighth Jake Averillo had already recorded three tries, three line breaks and two try assists. The Panthers, who are the current Jersey Flegg and NSW Cup champions, will not be able to repeat their 2022 sweep of the Flegg, Cup, State Championship and NRL premiership.
The women’s grand final between the Roosters and Broncos is slated to start at 4 pm AEDT, followed by the men’s final between the Roosters and Knights at 7:30 pm AEDT. Live radio coverage and a live blog will provide ongoing updates and statistics for both matches.
The convergence of the NRLW and NRL finals, the State Championship, and the tribute to Jai Arrow creates a “greatest day on the calendar for rugby league fans,” according to the ABC Australia report, as the season reaches its climax in Sydney.