In a thrilling finale, the Sydney Roosters edged out the Cronulla Sharks 32-28 to claim their second NRLW premiership title. The Tricolours dominated the first half, scoring four tries in just 11 minutes to take a commanding 24-0 lead into halftime. Winger Brydie Parker and Dally M medallist Olivia Kernick led the charge, each scoring two tries apiece.
However, the Sharks refused to give up, mounting a stunning comeback in the second half. Captain Tiana Penitani, hooker Quincy Dodd, and five-eighth Georgia Hannaway all scored tries to bring the deficit down to just two points with seven minutes remaining. Powerful prop Ellie Johnston’s late try further reduced the margin, setting up a nail-biting finish.
But the Roosters, spurred on by playmaker Tarryn Aiken’s Karyn Murphy Medal-winning performance, found the energy to push forward once more. Kernick crashed over for her second try of the afternoon with three minutes left, securing the title for her team.
Despite a valiant effort, the Sharks were ultimately undone by unforced errors, including a costly mistake from the kick-off that gifted the Roosters possession and allowed them to extend their lead. In the end, it was a case of too little, too late for Cronulla, who fell just short of pulling off a miraculous comeback.
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