Player ratings for the Broncos team for the NRLW grand final against the Dragons.
18. Tamika Upton: A shock promotion to fullback in place of Chelsea Baker and made the most of it with some probing runs, good support play and brave work to defuse a rare attacking Dragons kick. Set up Pilley's second-half try, holding up a nice pass, and produced a brilliant try-saving chase on a runaway Shakiah Tungai. 8.5
2. Julia Robinson: Starved of ball early with Brisbane unable to shift it left, instead went looking for it and came up with some potent carries. Charged over for a well-earned try in the second half. 7
3. Amy Turner: Made a bigger contribution in defence than attack but was reliable on both sides of the ball. 6
4. Amber Pilley: Slick running game was a constant headache for the Dragons' left-side defence and carved over for a second-half try. 7
Pilley adds another moment to standout season
5. Meg Ward: Missed a try in failing to mark a lovely Brigginshaw kick and was generally quiet in attack. Goal-kicking was a highlight in Baker's absence. 5
6. Raecene McGregor: Took a back seat to her senior halfback in terms of play-making but threatened when she got the chance. Showed lovely footwork to score the game's second try and again to all-but score again late. 7
7. Ali Brigginshaw: Ran proceedings beautifully and as usual almost never came up with a wrong option, passing beautifully for Robinson's try. Kicking game was on point and should have had a try assist with a wide bomb that wasn't marked. 7.5
Robinson extends the lead for Brisbane
8. Millie Boyle: Incredible first stint set the tone as the Dragons struggled to contain her charges and defended brilliantly. Came back for more of the same in the last 15, finishing with a match-high 139 metres. 9
9. Lavinia Gould: Stole the first try with a cheeky dart and worked well out of dummy-half. Got a long rest through the middle of the game. 6.5
10. Amber Hall: Used in short bursts to great effect. Came up with some crunching hits and punched out 130 metres – one of just two forwards to pass the 100 mark. 8.5
11. Annette Brander: Best on ground, made a massive statement with her defence right throughout but particularly in Brisbane's early dominance for a team-high 23 tackles. Was also terrific with ball in hand with 76 metres from seven carries. 9
12. Tazmin Gray: Quieter than her second-row partner but a reliable presence on the right edge. 6
Gould chances her arm on the last
13. Rona Peters: Understated outing from the veteran, finishing with 44 metres and 12 tackles. 5.5
Interchange
14. Tarryn Aiken: Livewire stint off the bench spelling Gould, nice service out of dummy-half and some great support play. 6.5
15. Stephanie Hancock: The first player called up from the bench and threw herself straight into her work with some typically robust carries and stinging defence. The ageless ex-Jillaroos skipper's second spell was even better than her first. Offloads were a major threat. 7
Lenarduzzi hits and spins close to the line
16. Mariah Storch: The young forward came on after 20 and played out most of the remainder of the game, plugging up the middle with 18 tackles. 6.5
17. Chelsea Lenarduzzi: Hardly used in first half, then came up with a penalty and error early in the second. More than made amends with some massive carries before charging over for the game-sealing try. 7
NRLW grand final: Dragons player ratings
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