The first-ever NRL Telstra Women's Premiership finals series has arrived and fittingly, foundation clubs Brisbane and the Roosters will battle it out in the second semi-final for a place in the decider.
The Broncos and Roosters will square off for the seventh time in NRLW history after previously meeting twice on grand final day in 2018 and 2020.
Brisbane have a 6-0 record over the Tricolours and after securing their fourth minor premiership with a big win over the Eels last week, have sent an ominous warning to the rest of the competition.
Ironically, the Roosters were on their couches cheering for the Broncos to beat Parramatta last week so they could scrape into the finals.
The Roosters have seven players left who featured in the 2020 grand final against the Broncos while the defending premiers have 10.
The Broncos saluted 20-4 at McDonald Jones Stadium when the sides clashed in round one.
Match: Broncos v Roosters
Semi Final -
home Team
Broncos
1st Position
away Team
Roosters
4th Position
Venue: Leichhardt Oval, Sydney
The Rundown
Team news
Broncos:The defending champions are 1-18. Tamika Upton (COVID-19) and Julia Robinson (cheekbone) will make their return after missing games in recent weeks. Their pending comebacks push Hayley Maddick to the bench and try-scoring sensation Hagiga Mosby to the reserves. Jada Ferguson remains 18th player.
Roosters: The Tricolours are as per program. Jess Sergis (ankle) will play despite being hampered last week. Simone Karpani left the field last week for a HIA but was cleared and will be right to play this week. Zahara Temara didn't finish the Dragons clash in a tactical decision rather than injury but remains in the halves.
Match: Broncos v Roosters
Semi Final -
home Team
Broncos
away Team
Roosters
Team Lists
Backs
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Fullback for Broncos is number 1 Tamika UptonFullback for Roosters is number 1 Corban Baxter
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Winger for Broncos is number 2 Julia RobinsonWinger for Roosters is number 2 Leianne Tufuga
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Centre for Broncos is number 3 Amy TurnerCentre for Roosters is number 3 Jessica Sergis
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Centre for Broncos is number 4 Shenae CiesiolkaCentre for Roosters is number 4 Isabelle Kelly
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Winger for Broncos is number 5 Emily BassWinger for Roosters is number 5 Brydie Parker
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Five-Eighth for Broncos is number 6 Tarryn AikenFive-Eighth for Roosters is number 6 Zahara Temara
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Halfback for Broncos is number 7 Ali BrigginshawHalfback for Roosters is number 7 Raecene McGregor
Forwards
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Prop for Broncos is number 8 Millie ElliottProp for Roosters is number 8 Sarah Togatuki
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Hooker for Broncos is number 9 Lauren BrownHooker for Roosters is number 9 Olivia Higgins
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Prop for Broncos is number 10 Chelsea LenarduzziProp for Roosters is number 10 Mya Hill-Moana
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2nd Row for Broncos is number 11 Kaitlyn Phillips2nd Row for Roosters is number 11 Yasmin Clydsdale
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2nd Row for Broncos is number 12 Amber Hall2nd Row for Roosters is number 12 Olivia Kernick
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Lock for Broncos is number 13 Lavinia GouldLock for Roosters is number 13 Hannah Southwell
Interchange
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Interchange for Broncos is number 14 Hayley MaddickInterchange for Roosters is number 14 Jocelyn Kelleher
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Interchange for Broncos is number 15 Tallisha HardenInterchange for Roosters is number 15 Keilee Joseph
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Interchange for Broncos is number 16 Roxy MurdochInterchange for Roosters is number 16 Tayla Predebon
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Interchange for Broncos is number 17 Sara SautiaInterchange for Roosters is number 17 Simone Karpani
Reserves
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Replacement for Broncos is number 18 Jada FergusonReplacement for Roosters is number 18 Joeli Morris
Match Officials
- Referee: Belinda Sharpe
- Senior Review Official: Matt Noyen
Last updated:
Key match-up
Amber Hall v Yasmin Meakes: Both edge players bring a different skillset to their side but will be crucial to the result. Hall has proved once again hard to handle this season with Meakes tasked with the job in trying to shut the Kiwi international down. The Broncos enforcer was the best player in the 2020 grand final, stepping up when it mattered. If Meakes and the Roosters can shut Hall down it will go a long way to causing an upset.
Stat attack
In most key stat areas the Broncos lead the competition but in others like post-contact, kick return metres and supports, the Roosters aren't far behind. Brisbane have enjoyed an average of 58% possession this season with a big reason centred around their average completion rate of 80 percent. The Roosters (68%) have improved since their round one showing but must get that right to have any chance.
Don’t miss your chance to be part of this historic occasion, with the first ever NRLW Finals double-header at Leichhardt Oval on Sunday, April 3. Tickets start from just $15 for Adults, with Juniors under 15 able to attend for FREE with a paying adult. Secure your tickets at NRL.com/tickets
