The Sydney Roosters have won the 2024 NRLW Grand Final, holding off a late surge from the Cronulla Sharks to triumph 32-28 in a thrilling contest at Accor Stadium.
Both teams came into the decider with impressive seasons behind them, but it was the Roosters' experience and resilience that saw them lift the trophy.
The Sydney Roosters, with a wealth of experience amounting to 466 games in their starting 17, faced a Cronulla Sharks side with just 406 games between them. Despite their comparative inexperience, the Sharks made a huge statement in the 2024 season, winning their first six games to put the competition on notice. The Roosters, who lost their opening game, went unbeaten for the rest of the season, and this clash was set to be a fitting end to their respective campaigns.
The Roosters stamped their authority early in the contest, capitalising on some key errors from the Sharks. NRLW Dally M Medalist Olivia Kernick opened the scoring for the Roosters after 16 minutes, and they quickly added two more tries through Brydie Parker and Jayme Fressard. A well-executed game plan, built around precision kicking and strong forward runs from Millie Elliott and Olivia Kernick, saw the Roosters take control. The Sharks struggled to find their rhythm, missing 19 tackles and completing only 50% of their sets in the first half. Jessica Sergis crossed the line late in the first half, giving the Roosters a commanding 24-0 lead at the break. The Sharks were shell-shocked but determined to make amends.
Whatever was said in the Sharks' sheds at halftime had an immediate impact. The team came out firing in the second half, led by captain Tiana Penitani. Penitani, who scored twice in the game, opened her account in the 38th minute, starting what would become an incredible comeback attempt.
The Sharks scored four second-half tries, beginning with Quincy Dodd in the 43rd minute, followed by Georgia Hannaway, Ellie Johnston, and Penitani again. Tayla Preston's accurate kicking kept them within striking distance, with her conversion narrowing the Roosters' lead to just two points at 26-24 with eight minutes left on the clock.
Despite the Sharks' heroic efforts, it was the Roosters who held their nerve in the final minutes. Olivia Kernick scored her second try of the game in the 66th minute, pushing the lead back out to eight points. But the Sharks, true to their season's form, refused to give up. Tiana Penitani crossed for her second try with only two minutes remaining, making it 32-28 and setting up a heart-pounding finale, with the captain opting not to kick of goal to give themselves as much time as possible to try to score one more try in the dying minutes.
With one last attacking set, the Sharks threw everything at the Roosters' defence, but it was too little too late. The Roosters' experience came to the fore as they absorbed the pressure, securing the win in a nail-biting finish.
Sydney Roosters half-back Tarryn Aiken was awarded the Karyn Murphy Medal for her outstanding performance. Aiken's tactical kicking and cool head under pressure were instrumental in the Roosters' victory, and she guided her team with poise throughout the match.
The Roosters' triumph in the 2024 NRLW Grand Final capped off a remarkable season, showcasing their consistency and depth of talent. For the Sharks, this was a valiant effort, but they will undoubtedly be left wondering what could have been after their stunning second-half fightback. Both teams have set the benchmark for seasons to come, and fans will eagerly anticipate their next encounter.