The first-ever NRL Telstra Women's Premiership finals series has arrived and fittingly, foundation clubs Brisbane and the Roosters will battle it out in the second semi-final for a place in the decider.
The Broncos and Roosters will square off for the seventh time in NRLW history after previously meeting twice on grand final day in 2018 and 2020.
Brisbane have a 6-0 record over the Tricolours and after securing their fourth minor premiership with a big win over the Eels last week, have sent an ominous warning to the rest of the competition.
Ironically, the Roosters were on their couches cheering for the Broncos to beat Parramatta last week so they could scrape into the finals.
The Roosters have seven players left who featured in the 2020 grand final against the Broncos while the defending premiers have 10.
The Broncos saluted 20-4 at McDonald Jones Stadium when the sides clashed in round one.
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The Rundown
Team news
Broncos:The defending champions are 1-18. Tamika Upton (COVID-19) and Julia Robinson (cheekbone) will make their return after missing games in recent weeks. Their pending comebacks push Hayley Maddick to the bench and try-scoring sensation Hagiga Mosby to the reserves. Jada Ferguson remains 18th player.
Roosters: The Tricolours are as per program. Jess Sergis (ankle) will play despite being hampered last week. Simone Karpani left the field last week for a HIA but was cleared and will be right to play this week. Zahara Temara didn't finish the Dragons clash in a tactical decision rather than injury but remains in the halves.
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Key match-up
Amber Hall v Yasmin Meakes: Both edge players bring a different skillset to their side but will be crucial to the result. Hall has proved once again hard to handle this season with Meakes tasked with the job in trying to shut the Kiwi international down. The Broncos enforcer was the best player in the 2020 grand final, stepping up when it mattered. If Meakes and the Roosters can shut Hall down it will go a long way to causing an upset.
Stat attack
In most key stat areas the Broncos lead the competition but in others like post-contact, kick return metres and supports, the Roosters aren't far behind. Brisbane have enjoyed an average of 58% possession this season with a big reason centred around their average completion rate of 80 percent. The Roosters (68%) have improved since their round one showing but must get that right to have any chance.
Don’t miss your chance to be part of this historic occasion, with the first ever NRLW Finals double-header at Leichhardt Oval on Sunday, April 3. Tickets start from just $15 for Adults, with Juniors under 15 able to attend for FREE with a paying adult. Secure your tickets at NRL.com/tickets