Nothing to see here: Kelly bans 2025 GF from watch list

Isabelle Kelly says the Roosters will do plenty of video ahead of Sunday's NRLW grand final but a replay of last year's decider won't be on the watch list.

Can’t watch it. Won’t watch it. No reason to watch it. 

“Obviously there’s that lingering factor of what happened but for us it’s a new year and we’ve got players who are back this year after being out last year,” said Kelly as the Roosters prepare for a redemption mission against the Broncos.

“No I haven’t (watched replay). As a player you go through those emotions at the time and remember the disappointment on the field. 

“I’ve loved this year and you don’t go back too much. It’s in your mind but you’re here to play the biggest games, the best versus the best. 

“That’s what a grand final is and when it comes to that day, you’re there in the moment, you’re not thinking about what happened in the past.” 

Still the 65th minute try near the left upright by Mele Hufanga is being remembered around the halls of Roosters HQ.

There appeared to be a few hands around the ball but the try was awarded and the Broncos snuck home 22-18 in a thriller to collect their fourth premiership.

Prop Rima Butler, who received a heavy knock that day, remembers it and doesn’t want to re-visit it. 

“Me personally? I’ve not watched the game,” she told NRL.com. 

“My face got ruined in that game last year and then there was the stinger at the end (Hufanga try)... so I’ll take the pain from the game but I don’t want to re-live the pain.” 

Kelly said the Roosters would take a look at the Broncos' preliminary final win over the Titans and do their homework on key players but the 2025 decider was in the rear view mirror.

“The game was so close and we had key players out. So I don’t think the belief is any different," she said.

“The core group we’ve had for so long now and they’ve wanted to achieve and be the best for a really long time.  

“The Broncos are all class so if you want to be the best you have to beat the best.” 

One massive addition for the Roosters is playmaker Tarryn Aiken, who missed last year's grand final with an ACL injury.

“She’s been great for us just her experience and the way she approaches the big games – she’s a very calm presence on the field,” Kelly said. 

“For me she’s the best half in the game. I know she gets a lot of recognition but the way she can read the game attacking wise and create situations for people outside of her is really incredible. 

“It’s massive for us to have her this year.”