Brisbane claim upset NRLW grand final win over Sydney as fight breaks out after full-time
Brisbane have pulled off the upset of the NRLW season to claim a stunning 22-18 premiership victory over Sydney in Sunday’s grand final.
The Broncos shocked the undefeated Roosters with the first 12 points of the game before conceding the next 18, trailing by a converted try deep into the second half.
Not to be denied though, Brisbane rallied again, snatching the lead back in the dying minutes with a controversial try that only barely touched the grass.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.Mele Hufanga’s effort was scrutinised by the bunker — with replays appearing to show inconclusive evidence that the ball was grounded — but eventually confirmed as the match-winning score.
The underdogs were able to hang on for the remaining four minutes to inflict Sydney’s only defeat for the year in the most important game of the season.
“This has been the biggest NRLW premiership, yes, it’s been the best, and maybe it’s given us the most gripping of the eight grand finals,” Matt Russell said on Fox Sports.
“This is a grand final for the ages.”
The drama didn’t stop there though, with a chaotic all-in brawl breaking out immediately after the siren.
Just minutes earlier, three Roosters players went down in the space of 30 seconds, with Keeley Davis, Rima Butler and Isabelle Kelly all copping heavy hits.
“It’s a warzone out there right now,” Russell said.
“This contact is horrific.”
After winning every match through the 11-game regular season and the finals, the Roosters were gunning to seal an unbeaten campaign and lift a second-straight premiership on Sunday.
But there were plenty of twists and turns after the Broncos led 12-0 at halftime courtesy of tries from Tamika Upton and Jada Ferguson.
The Roosters came roaring back by scoring three times in an eight-minute salvo early into the second half.
Brisbane looked in all sorts of trouble but a 60th-minute try from Shalom Sauaso got them back to within striking distance before Hufanga came up with the match-winning four-pointer.
The win secured Brisbane their fourth NRLW premiership.
- With AAP
Originally published on 7NEWS Sport
