Brisbane have grinded out a tough 20-10 win in the NRLW Grand Final today, keeping a spirited Roosters side at bay in front of 9,071 fans at ANZ Stadium.
After taking home the title in 2018 and 2019, the women from north of the border weren't expected to be as strong this year, with the Dragons listed as pre-season favourites. But come Grand Final Day, they were once again undefeated and went in favourites - ultimately living up to that title and claiming three from three NRLW premierships.
In previous seasons the Broncos dominated the Grand Final from the outset - this time it looked like history might repeat, but after a 12-0 early lead, the Broncos were slowly roped in by an enthusiastic Roosters outfit who exploited some soft edges to reduce the margin to two at halftime. It would be two second half tries that delivered the reigning champs yet another trophy.
That fast start came courtesy of a fourth minute try to Tamika Upton, who took advantage of a bust by halfback Tarryn Aiken to deliver a perfect support run to open the scoring.
Brisbane backed the effort up a few minutes later when Karyn Murphy Medal winner Amber Hall barged over off a left-edge run which took her across the line from about 20 metres out.
Meg Ward converted both tries and the Broncos were ahead of the clock, leading 12-0 after just ten minutes.
From there though, the Roosters found some resolve and got some ball - and by the fourteenth minute took advantage of a successful Captain's Challenge to have Yasmin Meakes put them on the board.
The gap was narrowed further before halftime, with Quincy Dodd barrelling over from dummy half. As a result the Tricolours only trailed by two as the sides went to the break.
Brisbane's Chelsea Lenarduzzi was key to her side starting strong after the break, putting a big effort in to get over the line and slam the ball down on the left side. Ward's missed extras meant the Roosters still had a sniff with a six point margin.
Come the 44th minute the outlook was growing darker for the Roosters as the rain continues to fall, with Tallisha Harden cruising through a big gap to score the Broncos' fourth and what would be final try.
Try as they might, the Roosters would not overcome the the reigning champs and Brisbane held on for their third NRLW premiership in three years.
Amber Hall was named player of the match.
Congratulations to Amber Hall, the Karyn Murphy Medal winner for 2020 #NRLWGF pic.twitter.com/pezaPVYAd5
— Women's Rugby League (@WRugbyLeague) October 25, 2020