Honouring the career of her highly-decorated teammate Ali Brigginshaw is how Jesse Southwell will overcome some of the disappointment of losing the NRLW grand final 30-6 to the Roosters.
The 21-year-old experienced the flip side of premiership euphoria with Sunday’s loss after winning two titles with the Newcastle Knights (2022-23) before shifting north to Brisbane this year.
“A lot of emotions... pretty heartbroken to be honest if I had to sum up in words what I’m feeling right now,” Southwell told NRL.com.
“I missed the mark on a lot of things, which is very disappointing.
“As a halfback I shouldn’t be doing that but I’ve got to cop it on the chin and realise it’s part of the job.
“I will re-assess but I can tell you now I’m looking forward to next year already.”
Meantime, Southwell said she would put her emotions to one side to join her teammates in recognising the impact Brigginshaw has had across club, state and international lines.
“Celebrating Ali is how we’ll get through the next couple of days,” Southwell said.
“It’s really important now to remember it’s not about me, it’s not about the result.
"It’s important to celebrate all that Ali has achieved in the game and all she’s done for this club.
“Honestly it will sting and hurt but I like to believe these things happen for a reason.”
Brigginshaw has now retired from club football but she is set for a swan song on the international stage in the IRL Rugby League World Cup.
From the Field: Ali Brigginshaw
She and Southwell are the incumbent Australian halves from the Jillaroos three wins in last year’s Pacific Championships.
But Roosters halfback Tarryn Aiken – the Karyn Murphy Medal winner as the player of the grand final – wasn’t available last year due to her recovery from an ACL tear.
All three are likely to find themselves in the Jillaroos squad to be named on Monday by coach Jess Skinner.
It will allow Southwell some more time with Brigginshaw on the playing field.
“Her competitiveness is great. She will put her body in front of anyone - she never gives up and that’s so impressive," Southwell said.
“I’ve tried to learn as much as I can from her and I’m thankful that won’t stop.”
Looking ahead to the 2027 season, Southwell spoke about the potential of the Broncos young squad while the INXS smash hit ‘New Sensation’ blared out over speakers in the Broncos sheds underneath Accor Stadium.
Tamika Upton all class in defeat
“Our young girls have been amazing this year. I’m so honoured to have played with them,” Southwell said.
“Deleni Paitai, Georgia Bartlett, Rhemy Hinckesman, Reegan Hicks and Harlem Walker – they will be become household names soon.
“It was their very first season and they have so much potential. It makes me really glad to be a Bronco because it’s been so cool to play with them and I get to do it again next year.”
