NRLW quick hits: Roosters complete 101-year first as Aiken stars

In the 2026 Sydney Roosters NRLW grand final, the team completed a historic first by defeating the Brisbane Broncos. This marked a significant milestone as no other top-flight rugby league team had achieved this in Australia for over a century. The match showcased the pressure faced by players during a grand final, with two State of Origin representatives committing uncharacteristic errors in the opening minutes.

Sydney Roosters winger Jayme Fressard's poor performance began with a failure to gather the opening kickoff and a subsequent mishap by Julia Robinson, the Broncos' winger, who dropped the ball in her own half, giving the Roosters an opportunity to score.

The Roosters dominated the first half, capitalizing on Brisbane's errors. Halfback Tarryn Aiken, who had missed the previous grand final due to an ACL injury, played a pivotal role in the Roosters' victory. Aiken scored a crucial try in a seven-minute span, setting up two additional tries with her precise passes.

Brisbane's defense was formidable, but Sydney's Aiken continued to shine, contributing to the team's success. Legendary Broncos player Ali Brigginshaw, in her farewell game, made a disastrous mistake resulting in an Aiken try.

Despite a late surge by Brisbane, the Roosters maintained their lead, with captain Isabelle Kelly scoring a try under the pressure of the second half. Brisbane's captain Tamika Upton demonstrated her exceptional skills with a crucial tackle, preventing a potential try for the Roosters' Jessica Sergis.

The Roosters entered the match with high confidence, boasting an impressive 30-1 record in the NRLW. Their perfect season, including 13 wins without a loss, culminated in a commanding victory over Brisbane, marking the first time in top-grade rugby league history that a men's or women's side completed a season without a defeat. This achievement ended a 57-year drought for the Roosters, who had previously gone without a losing streak since 1959.