Millie Elliott and Corban Baxter received a memorable sendoff as the Sydney Roosters secured a commanding 30-6 victory over the Brisbane Broncos in the NRLW grand final on Sunday at Accor Stadium. The win marks a significant milestone for both players, who have announced their retirement following the match, and represents the first time the Roosters have defeated their longstanding rivals in a grand final after three consecutive championship deciders between the two teams.
Elliott, a front-rower renowned for her physicality and consistency, capped her career with a flawless premiership record, securing her fifth title from five grand final appearances. The 29-year-old finished the match with 181 metres gained and 18 tackles, cementing her reputation as one of the competition’s dominant players. Baxter, a one-club Roosters stalwart and former club captain who led the team to their 2021 title, scored her second try of the match. Both players combined experience and leadership to guide their team to the biggest win in NRLW grand final history, equaling the largest margin recorded.
The Roosters delivered an early statement of intent, scoring six unanswered tries in the first half to build a 26-0 lead. Halfback Tarryn Aiken, making a strong comeback after missing the previous year’s final due to an ACL injury, was instrumental with three try assists and one try of her own, earning the Karyn Murphy Medal for player of the match. Winger Brydie Parker also contributed significantly, crossing the line three times to bring her season tally to 11 tries. The Broncos managed to respond with a try in the second half, but the deficit proved insurmountable.
The match featured contrasting fortunes for veteran players. On the Broncos’ side, multiple-time Dally M winner and team captain Tamika Upton faced difficulties, with the forward pack unable to provide sufficient support. Veteran Ali Brigginshaw, a pioneer of the Broncos and women’s game, concluded her career with the team on a less celebratory note but expressed pride in her teammates’ resilience despite the loss.
Elliott reflected on the victory with gratitude toward her team and supporters, highlighting the significance of ending her career on a winning note. In an emotional moment, she celebrated with her one-year-old daughter after the final siren. The Roosters maintained an undefeated season, demonstrating dominance throughout the match and solidifying their status as a leading force in women’s rugby league.
For the Broncos, Sunday’s defeat marked a challenging conclusion to their campaign, but key players acknowledged the effort and commitment of their squad throughout the season. The Roosters' comprehensive performance underscored a shift in the competitive balance as the league continues to develop.