Roosters v Broncos: Hall, Naividi out; Prince's late reshuffle
The two standout teams of the year will go head-to-head in a fitting decider with the Roosters taking on the Broncos to crown this year's champion team.
The Roosters claimed the minor premiership after going through the season unbeaten, while the Broncos lost only one game - to their grand final opponents in Round 3.
The Broncos finished the regular season with the best attack (404 points) and the best defence (116 points against) but it was that early loss to the defending champs that cost them the chance to finish top-of-the-table two years running.
The two sides go into this decider with contrasting results - the Broncos firing out of the blocks against the Knights at the height of the Brisbane heat, with 21,367 fans seated at Suncorp Stadium to watch the home team prevail.
The Roosters were given an almighty shock against their 2024 grand final opponents the Sharks, who fought gamely before going down 17-16 in a thriller, with Jocelyn Kelleher stepping up to slot the winner in her 50th NRLW game.
With some of the biggest names in the NRLW on show as well as rising stars of the future, it all points to an entertaining game of rugby league to close the season.
Match: Roosters v Broncos
Grand Final -
home Team
Roosters
1st Position
away Team
Broncos
2nd Position
Venue: Accor Stadium, Sydney
Team News
Roosters:Star forward Amber Hall has fallen short in her bid to feature in the decider, with the Kiwi Fern ruled out in Sunday's final team update. Hall will be replaced by Jayde Herdegen on the interchange. A cruel blow for winger Taina Naividi who suffered an ACL injury at Saturday's captain's run. Mia Wood shifts from the bench onto the wing. Aliyah Nasio is straight back into the second row in her return from suspension. Taneisha Gray is the 18th player.
Broncos: A late change for Brisbane coach Scott Prince, with Destiny Brill moving to the starting side to line up at hooker and Jada Ferguson shifting to the interchange. Reegan Hicks is the 18th player. Fullback Tamika Upton will line up for her 50th NRLW game just days after claiming a historic second Dally M Medal.
Match: Roosters v Broncos
Grand Final -
home Team
Roosters
away Team
Broncos
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Roosters is number 1 Brydie ParkerFullback for Broncos is number 1 Tamika Upton
-
Winger for Roosters is number 5 Jayme FressardWinger for Broncos is number 2 Kerri Johnson
-
Centre for Roosters is number 3 Jessica SergisCentre for Broncos is number 3 Mele Hufanga
-
Centre for Roosters is number 4 Isabelle KellyCentre for Broncos is number 4 Julia Robinson
-
Winger for Roosters is number 16 Mia WoodWinger for Broncos is number 5 Hayley Maddick
-
Five-Eighth for Roosters is number 6 Corban BaxterFive-Eighth for Broncos is number 6 Gayle Broughton
-
Halfback for Roosters is number 7 Jocelyn KelleherHalfback for Broncos is number 7 Ali Brigginshaw
Forwards
-
Prop for Roosters is number 8 Otesa PuleProp for Broncos is number 8 Annetta-Claudia Nu'uausala
-
Hooker for Roosters is number 9 Keeley DavisHooker for Broncos is number 14 Destiny Brill
-
Prop for Roosters is number 10 Rima ButlerProp for Broncos is number 10 Brianna Clark
-
2nd Row for Roosters is number 11 Aliyah Nasio2nd Row for Broncos is number 11 Lauren Dam
-
2nd Row for Roosters is number 12 Jasmin Strange2nd Row for Broncos is number 12 Romy Teitzel
-
Lock for Roosters is number 13 Olivia KernickLock for Broncos is number 13 Keilee Joseph
Interchange
-
Interchange for Roosters is number 14 Shawden BurtonInterchange for Broncos is number 9 Jada Ferguson
-
Interchange for Roosters is number 15 Macie CarlileInterchange for Broncos is number 15 Chelsea Lenarduzzi
-
Interchange for Roosters is number 17 Eliza LopamauaInterchange for Broncos is number 16 Shenae Ciesiolka
-
Interchange for Roosters is number 18 Jayde HerdegenInterchange for Broncos is number 17 Shalom Sauaso
Reserves
-
Replacement for Roosters is number 20 Taneisha GrayReplacement for Broncos is number 18 Reegan Hicks
Match Officials
- Referee: Belinda Sharpe
- Senior Review Official: Chris Butler
Last updated:
Stat Attack
- The Roosters have won their last five games against the Broncos.
- Broncos fullback Tamika Upton will make her 50th NRLW appearance.
- Roosters fullback Brydie Parker will play in her fifth NRLW grand final for the club.
- Broncos lock Keilee Joseph won an NRLW premiership with the Roosters in 2021.
- Roosters second-rower Jasmin Strange is aiming for her third consecutive grand final win.
- Broncos coach Scott Prince returns to the grand final stage for the first time in 20 years.
- The Roosters are aiming to equal the men’s premiership record of 19 consecutive victories.
- The Broncos have won all four games at Accor Stadium.
- Roosters lock Olivia Kernick has scored five tries in six games against the Broncos.
- Broncos winger Kerri Johnson has scored 10 tries in 12 NRLW appearances.
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.
