Sydney Roosters blow away Brisbane Broncos to claim third NRLW premiership

SYDNEY, 4 OCTOBER 2026 —

The Sydney Roosters have claimed their third NRLW premiership with a dominant 30-6 demolition of the Brisbane Broncos in the grand final at Accor Stadium, capping a perfect season that included an undefeated regular campaign and two finals victories.

This triumph underscores the Roosters’ unparalleled dominance in recent years, their only loss since August 2024 coming in last season’s decider—a result that served as the catalyst for their relentless pursuit of perfection. The team’s flawless 2026 campaign, including 11 straight regular-season wins and two finals victories, has set a new benchmark for the NRLW, a league that has never before witnessed such sustained excellence.

For the Broncos, Sunday’s defeat was a bitter farewell for Brigginshaw, whose final game ended in humiliation as her side collapsed under the pressure of the Roosters’ relentless attack.

The Roosters’ dominance was evident from the opening stages, despite early errors from both teams, including two Roosters mistakes from kick-offs. The turning point came in the fourth minute when winger Jayme Fressard found Jocelyn Kelleher, whose pinpoint cross-field kick looped over Brisbane’s Kerri Johnson for Brydie Parker to score.

Kelleher’s influence extended beyond this moment, as her soaring bomb later embarrassed Broncos fullback Tamika Upton, who collided with teammate Julia Robinson in her attempt to field the ball. The Broncos’ defensive frailty became apparent as they struggled to contain the Roosters’ relentless forward pressure, conceding 25% of possession and completing just three of 10 sets by halftime.

By the time the first half ended, the Roosters had established an insurmountable lead, with Tarryn Aiken—who was awarded the Karyn Murphy medal as player of the match—delivering two crucial tries. The first came when Aiken’s grubber rebounded off Johnson back into her hands, setting up captain Isabelle Kelly for a try. Minutes later, Aiken and Kelly combined again, with Aiken’s cross-field kick leading to another try by Fressard.

Brigginshaw’s frustration was palpable when she dived onto Aiken’s standing leg in that play, a moment that foreshadowed the Broncos’ eventual collapse. The Roosters’ pack, led by Kelly, further cemented their dominance with tries from Olivia Kernick and Rima Butler, who forced Upton back into the in-goal before Kelly added another acrobatic score.

The second half offered no reprieve for the Broncos, despite a miraculous try-saver from Upton early in the period. Parker secured her hat-trick with 15 minutes remaining, and while Jesse Southwell managed a late try in the 63rd minute—after Upton finally found some space down the middle—the damage was already done.

Brigginshaw’s final act was a handling error in the dying minutes, challenged unsuccessfully by her teammates, as the Broncos’ hopes of a fairytale finish evaporated. The final score of 30-6 reflected the Roosters’ complete mastery of the game, with their run metres (830 to 259) and tackle breaks (17 to six) underscoring their physical and tactical superiority.

For the Roosters, the victory was bittersweet, as retiring forward Millie Elliott and fullback Corban Baxter—both at the peak of their careers—celebrated their final game in the NRLW. Elliott acknowledged the motivation behind the team’s success, stating, “Everyone knows what that felt like [last season’s loss], and we definitely used that as motivation all season, not just in this game, all season.

And we worked so hard, I take my hat off to Strangey and the coaching staff—they really left no stone unturned this year, and we wanted to put in a performance like that.” The Roosters’ coach, John Strange, oversaw a season of unprecedented dominance, with his team’s flawless record setting a new standard for the league.

The Roosters’ triumph also sends a strong message to selectors for the upcoming Women’s Rugby League World Cup, beginning later this month. Aiken and Kelleher, who were less recognized than Brigginshaw and Southwell in individual accolades, delivered performances that will be closely scrutinized as the Roosters prepare for international competition.

Meanwhile, Brigginshaw’s emotional farewell—marked by tears and a final embrace with her teammates—highlighted the personal toll of the Broncos’ collapse, as her career ended on a note far removed from the glory she had brought to the club over the years.

As the dust settles on the NRLW grand final, the Roosters’ third premiership stands as a testament to their resilience, tactical brilliance, and sheer dominance. With the Broncos now trailing in the all-time title count, the Tricolours have not only redefined excellence in the league but also set a benchmark that will be difficult for rivals to match in the years to come.

The focus now shifts to the World Cup, where the Roosters will look to translate their grand final success into international glory, while the Broncos begin the process of rebuilding after a season that ended in heartbreak.