The Sydney Roosters will meet Cronulla in next Sunday’s NRLW grand final after defeating two-time reigning premiers Newcastle 25-16.
In wet conditions at Sydney Football Stadium, the Roosters scored four tries to three to qualify for their fourth grand final.
They won the premiership in the 2021 season and were runner-up in 2018 and 2020.
Earlier, Cronulla stunned minor premiers Brisbane 14-0 to reach its first NRLW grand final in just its second year in the competition.
The Broncos’ intimidating attack was nullified by a sensational defensive display from the Sharks at Brisbane’s Langlands Park.
It was the first time the Broncos have been kept scoreless in their seven-year NRLW history.
The result was the Sharks’ first win over the Broncos in the NRLW.
The Sharks outclassed the Broncos with three tries in the grand final qualifier. (AAP: Dave Hunt)
Brisbane was dealt a blow before kick-off with second-rower Romy Teitzel — the NRLW’s top scorer in the home-and-away season — ruled out after sustaining a hip injury in the final-round win over St George Illawarra.
The Sharks were not showered in attacking opportunities but made the most of the chances they got against the Broncos, who looked flat and uncharacteristically error-prone.
Captain Tiana Penitani was unstoppable bringing the ball out from the back for Cronulla.
The powerful centre ran for 160 metres and opened the scoring with a try in the 13th minute after an offload from Talei Holmes.
Tayla Preston added the conversion to establish a 6-0 lead, which the Sharks took into half-time.
Penitani’s centre partner on the opposite edge, Annessa Biddle, powered her way over early in the second half to extend Cronulla’s lead.
The strong-running 22-year-old leads the competition for post-tackle metres by a considerable margin.
A try to winger Cassie Staples wrapped up the match with 12 minutes to go after a cut-out pass by impressive five-eighth Georgia Hannaway.
AAP
