Unbeaten NRLW Champions
Sydney Roosters Complete Unbeaten Season With Dominant NRLW Grand Final Victory
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Key Points
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The Roosters’ 24-point winning margin was equal to the largest ever in an NRLW grand final, and their 26-0 halftime lead set a record for the biggest halftime advantage in a decider.
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The Roosters’ only defeat since August 2024 had been last season’s grand final loss to Brisbane, making Sunday’s result the end of a long run of dominance as well as a response to that loss.
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The halves’ performances could strengthen their cases for Jillaroos selection ahead of the World Cup later this month; the Guardian also singled out captain Isabelle Kelly and the Roosters’ forward pack for their contributions.
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Jocelyn Kelleher had extra reason to celebrate: after blaming herself for the late try that cost the Roosters last year’s decider, she played a leading role in the win, including with the high kicks that troubled Brisbane.
The Sydney Roosters dominated the Brisbane Broncos 30-6 in the NRLW Grand Final on October 3-4, 2026, completing an unbeaten season and claiming their third premiership v2radio. The Roosters led 26-0 at halftime—the largest halftime advantage in NRLW Grand Final history—with winger Brydie Parker scoring a hat-trick. The 24-point margin tied the record for the biggest winning gap in an NRLW decider bordermail.
The victory avenged last season's narrow 22-18 loss to the same Broncos team and marked retribution after a long run of dominance since August 2024 bordermail. Retiring legends Ali Brigginshaw (Broncos), Millie Elliott, and Corban Baxter (Roosters) played their final games, with Elliott claiming her fifth career premiership across three clubs bordermail.
Roosters' First-Half Blitz Sets Historic Records
Sydney's attack was surgical from the opening minute. Brydie Parker scored in the fourth minute off a cross-field kick from five-eighth Jocelyn Kelleher. The Roosters scored six tries in the first half alone, with Parker completing her hat-trick in the 56th minute v2radio. Brisbane managed only one score—a late 63rd-minute try by Jesse Southwell—to finish 30-6.
The Roosters held 75% possession in the first half with an 87% completion rate, running 832 metres compared to Brisbane's 259 metres bordermail. The Broncos committed 14 handling and tactical errors under relentless pressure. Tarryn Aiken, the Roosters' halfback, earned Player of the Match honors after recording two try assists in her comeback season from an ACL injury bordermail.
Kelleher and Aiken Atone and Shine for Jillaroos Selection
Jocelyn Kelleher orchestrated the attack with dominant tactical kicking, directly atoning for a late error that cost the Roosters last year's decider. Her high kicks repeatedly troubled Brisbane's defense. Captain Isabelle Kelly and the Roosters' forward pack also delivered standout performances that caught selectors' attention bordermail.
The stellar performances by Aiken, Kelleher, and Kelly strengthen their cases for the Jillaroos squad ahead of the Rugby League World Cup later this month bordermail. Aiken's return from injury proved decisive; her two assists showcased her playmaking ability after missing the 2025 grand final through injury.
Brigginshaw Bows Out With Decorated Career
Ali Brigginshaw ended her legendary career in the Grand Final loss, finishing her time in rugby league with four premierships, a Dally M Medal, and three World Cup appearances bordermail. The Broncos captain's farewell marked an emotional chapter in the day's matches, though her team could not match the Roosters' dominance.
Millie Elliott and Corban Baxter also hung up their boots as premiership winners. Elliott's fifth career title across three different clubs capped off a career spanning multiple generations of Australian women's rugby league.
Next Test: Roosters Chase 16th Premiership Against Knights
The Sydney Roosters men's team now face the Newcastle Knights in the NRL Grand Final at Accor Stadium following the NRLW decider netimes. The Knights reached the final after an improbable three sudden-death finals runs under coach Justin Holbrook, led by captain Kalyn Ponga. Newcastle finished last in 2025 and are seeking their first premiership since 2001 bordermail.
The Roosters, featuring James Tedesco, Sam Walker, and Daly Cherry-Evans, chase a 16th premiership. Cherry-Evans, at 37 years and 183 days old, will play his final NRL game in what many consider a fitting conclusion to a legendary career netimes.
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