The Brisbane Broncos have secured a historic fifth minor premiership in the NRLW, despite a thrilling finale to the regular season. The Sydney Roosters came agonizingly close to stealing the title, but ultimately fell short in their 32-18 victory over Parramatta at Commbank Stadium.
The Roosters needed a 20-point win to claim the minor premiership, but despite a valiant effort, they came up just short. A double from fullback Sam Bremner was not enough to overcome the Broncos’ lead on points difference.
In the day’s other match, the Canberra Raiders edged out the Gold Coast Titans 16-12, ending their season on a high note. The win secured the Roosters a home preliminary final against reigning premiers Newcastle next weekend.
However, the Roosters’ victory was marred by an injury to influential skipper Isabelle Kelly, who was forced from the field with an apparent elbow injury. Kelly had been dominant for the Roosters, amassing 113 running metres in the opening 35 minutes.
The Roosters got off to a perfect start, with Bremner scoring in the opening set after Eels winger Zali Fay spilled a Jocelyn Kelleher bomb. The visitors extended their lead through tries to Mia Wood and Olivia Kernick, before the Eels hit back through Mahalia Murphy to cut the deficit to 12 points at halftime.
The Roosters briefly held top spot on the live ladder, with second-half tries to Bremner, Amber Hall, and Jayme Fressard extending their lead to 20. However, the Eels fought back, with Fay scoring a spectacular aerial try and Rosemarie Beckett crossing late to reduce the margin to 14.
In the earlier match, the Raiders prevailed over the Titans in a scrappy battle for seventh. Zahara Temara’s kicking game proved the difference, as the Raiders secured a 16-12 win. Both sides scored three tries apiece, but the Titans struggled without regular goalkicker Lauren Brown, failing to register a conversion in her absence.
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