We're coming: Rivals jostling to topple NRLW heavyweights
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We’re coming for you.
That’s the message from the NRLW clubs as they look to chase down competition heavyweights Brisbane and the Roosters.
The two teams dominated last season before facing off in an epic grand final, with the Broncos ultimately prevailing after Mele Hufanga scored with five minutes remaining to end the Roosters’ hopes of going back-to-back.
Roosters v Broncos - Grand Final, 2025
There is an acknowledgement heading into 2027 that last year’s grand finalists are again the teams to beat but Dragons captain Brooke Anderson said the gap is clearly closing.
“They’re the pinnacle of our game at the moment,” Anderson said. “The important thing is we’re bridging the gap between the best and the worst.
“Every team looks really happy this season and I’m excited to see everyone goes.”
Knights captain Yasmin Meakes agrees the gap from top to bottom is closer than it’s ever been.
“We saw in the trials, the Warriors gave Brisbane a bit of a shake up, but they still look classy and the Roosters showed their depth in their squad with a lot of players not available,” Meakes said.
“I’m excited to see how everyone shapes up. There’s not much between the teams anymore, it will come down to whoever can perform on the day.”
Match: Sharks v Knights
Round 1 -
home Team
Sharks
away Team
Knights
Venue: Ocean Protect Stadium, Sydney
Match broadcasters:
- WatchNRL
The ninth NRLW season will kick off on Thursday night when the Sharks host the Knights at Ocean Protect Stadium.
There have been plenty of changes across the league since last season, headlined by former Newcastle halfback Jesse Southwell’s decision to join the Broncos.
Brisbane have also gained Test front rower Shannon Mato but have lost Hufanga and Gayle Broughton to the Warriors, while Keilee Joseph has moved to Parramatta.
The Wests Tigers have added Shaylee Bent and Holli Wheeler, with Brooke Anderson moving from Cronulla to the Dragons.
While plenty has changed in Brisbane throughout the past six months, the Broncos are embracing the pressure of defending their title.
“It’s really hard to get to the top and win a premiership, but it’s another level trying to retain it and hold on to it,” experienced forward Brianna Clark said. “It’s a challenge we’ve talked about and we’re excited to face.
“The team is different and it’s definitely a different feel but it’s exciting and we’ve got some really good additions to the side.
“It’s exciting to have teams chasing us, there’s pressure for us to stay ahead and it’s good for the competition. Pressure is a good thing, it keeps you accountable and you either crack under it or you thrive so hopefully we’ll thrive.”
While the Broncos and Roosters were the standout clubs in 2025, there were clear signs the gap is closing.
The Sharks came within a point of upsetting John Strange’s side in a thrilling preliminary final and had a chance to win it in the final play before the Roosters made a desperate try-saving tackle.
A frantic finish to an incredible game!
The Knights have lost Southwell but they’ve added representative half Kirra Dibb and continue to rebuild around a talented crop of emerging juniors.
The Titans have been a perennial contender for the past few years and have added rugby sevens star Teagan Levi and emerging centre Indie Bostock to their squad this season.
North Queensland took a big step forward in 2025 and secured a home semi-final for the first time, ultimately going down to Cronulla in a hard-fought contest.
The Cowboys open their season against Brisbane at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday night and forward Bree Chester said it’s a great opportunity to showcase their title credentials.
“We’re lucky to play the Broncos in Round 1 this week, it’ll be a good test to see where we are against them,” Chester said.
“I am confident we are closing that gap. Our team has worked really hard in the pre-season, we’re looking really good at training so I’m excited to go against them and put it together.”
Like the Broncos, the Roosters enter the season knowing they have a host of rivals nipping at their heels.
Captain Isabelle Kelly is pleased with where her team sits leading into Round 1 but recognises they can’t rely on last year if they want to return to the grand final.
“Things are going to be a bit different this year,” Kelly said. “We’ve got some new players coming in, a few things have changed with how we play.
“We’ve tinkered a few things but it’s been positive. We’re working on things we know we can be better and individually working to be better. Working on those combinations, the little areas you can do to help the team.”
The 2026 NRLW season kicks off on Thursday night when the Sharks host Newcastle at Ocean Protect Stadium. Head to NRL.com/tickets to secure your seats today.
