Global game: Grand final to provide snapshot of action to come

After going viral for her incredible try-scoring efforts in last year’s Pacific Championships, reigning Golden Boot winner Julia Robinson will be looking to create more history after lining up wing for the Broncos.

One of the more experienced players in Brisbane's backline for the decider, Robinson's immediate focus was on winning the decider, but knew there was a challenge ahead for her side to go back-to-back.

“You have to give the respect to the Roosters, they are a fantastic team and they've got some incredible players,” Robinson said.

“But I know that we have a fantastic team and some incredible players in our team as well.

“So honestly, it's just on the day, who comes out harder and who wants it more, and I believe that we can do that.”

Like many more fans of the game, Robison was also looking forward to witnessing the halves battle, with Broncos duo Ali Brigginshaw and Jesse Southwell and Roosters pair Jocelyn Kelleher and Tarryn Aiken all in contention for Jillaroos jerseys.

“It’s going to be brilliant," Robinson said.

"I feel like they both have the X factor, so you have no idea what's going to happen, what they're going to do on the day, but you know it's going to be something incredible.”

The battle of the starting forward packs is set to be a display of power from Kiwi Ferns contenders, with Roosters prop Otesa Pule lining up against fellow Queensland Origin representatives Bri Clark and Shannon Mato, who switched her allegiance from Australia to New Zealand earlier this year.

Roosters second rower and Māori All Stars player Jasmin Strange has also been selected in England's squad, while the versatile Taina Naividi - who has played in the outside backs and as dummyhalf - is in the Fiji Bulikula squad. 

While there is plenty of international experience in both sides, Robinson highlighted the contribution of the rookies to the Broncos this year who stood up following the departure of a number of established stars.

This year’s grand final team will have five players in their extended line up (Georgia Bartlett, Deleni Paitai, Rhemy Hinckesman, Harlem Walker and Caitlin Urwin) who debuted this season, but Robinson backed their ability to handle the biggest stage.

“It's really exciting that we have so many young girls coming through and playing their first grand final in their first year," Robinson said. 

“Obviously from debuting the start of this year to the grand final is pretty surreal, so we want to make sure that they just keep calm and not put too much pressure on themselves.

“Even though the grand final is such a big game, we just tell them it's just another game, so just prepare the same and just enjoy it as well.

“I love being one of the senior players and helping the young ones come through.

“It was actually kind of cute; I had Del send a photo in from two years ago and I handed her a Queensland jersey for schoolgirls ...

"Now it’s crazy to have her playing centre inside me in the grand final, so those moments are really special.

“I just want to make sure I keep them calm and give them any ideas and suggestions as to how to prepare for the weekend.

“I back our girls 100 percent.

“It is a full credit to them how hard they've worked and they're on the big stage for a reason.

“They deserve to wear this Broncos jersey because of all the hard work and what they've done in the whole season, they don't shy away from that challenge no matter who is in front of them.

“They just bite down on their mouth guard and play their heart out and that's all we can ask from them and they are absolutely killing it.”

After two weeks of thrilling finals, it all comes down to this. One play can define a season. These are the moments that matter. Don't miss a second of the action with kick-off at 4pm Sunday AEDT live on Nine, 9Now, Kayo and Sky Sports NZ.