The 2026 NRLW regular season was far from a two-horse race but the quinella favourites have ultimately played their way into Sunday’s decider.
Easts are unbeaten after 10 games played this year; an astonishing feat that sees them carry deserving favouritism into the big dance.
Opposing them on Sunday though, is a champion Broncos side that have played themselves into premiership-defending form thanks largely to familiar names Ali Brigginshaw, Tamika Upton and Shannon Mato in the pack.
By the Numbers
Even casual fans of the NRLW will be familiar with Tamika Upton by now.
The best player in the women’s game has put the Broncos on her back again this year to post some simply ridiculous attacking numbers. With 15 tries and 20 assists from 13 games this season, Upton has been directly responsible for almost half (48%) of Brisbane’s total tries (72) scored.
In reality, that percentage is probably higher. If she’s not credited for the last pass assist, we can almost certainly assume Upton was somehow involved in the lead up; counting numbers, taking short sides, creating one-on-one situations for teammates to offload or tackle bust their way towards points.
Without suggesting the Broncos are impotent outside of Upton, the job is simple for Easts on Sunday. Stack the extra number wherever Upton goes and force Brisbane to find unfamiliar unpreferred avenues to the try line.
The Roosters are far more balanced with how they set up in attack.
Between five-eighth Jocellyn Kelleher (16 try assists) and halfback Tarryn Aiken (17), Easts employ the second- and third-most prolific playmakers in the NRLW as a halves pairing.
Jess Sergis (17 tries this year; most in NRLW) and Brydie Parker (11 tries) largely have Aiken to thank for their hauls this season while on the left, wingers Jayme Fressard (12 tries in just 9 games) and Taina Naividi (4 tries in 8 games) and backrower Sariah Paki (6 tries) are feasting on Kelleher’s kicking and ballplaying.
Deciding Factors
While Upton is capable of manufacturing points from anywhere on the field, the Roosters dominance in yardage makes this task a tall one for Brisbane.
A bench forward rotation of Aliyah Nasio, Rima Butler and Amber Hall would start at most rival NRLW clubs while Jess Sergis and Isabelle Kelly have set the standard for outside backs in the women’s game for a decade.
Broncos prop-forward Shannon Mato has been immense in both finals games and she’ll make it a contest early against Millie Boyle and Otesa Pule, but when fatigue sets in and the packs rotate, I can’t see Brisbane maintaining the rage.
The Chooks profile well to enjoy the lion’s share of field position again on Sunday, unless Ali Brigginshaw and Jesse Southwell can find the grass with their boots.
Southwell in particular stood out in the 2026 State of Origin Series with her ability to build pressure with her long kicking game. Her development as an NRLW half has coincided with less highlight reel moments and more repeatable actions – pass early, kick long, chase hard, tackle well – and if Brisbane are to defend the title, they’ll need Southwell at her consistent, repeatable best.
The Verdict
There’s a reason the Roosters bring undefeated form into the 2026 NRLW Grand Final and I can’t tip against them here.
An experienced pack and backline has been here and done it before and although the best version of this Broncos attack through Jesse Southwell and Tamika Upton can give them a scare, I like Easts to bank the NRL & NRLW double on Sunday night.
Tips: Sydney Roosters to Cover the Line (-7.5) @ $1.90
Anytime Tryscorer: Jess Sergis @ 1.98, Brydie Parker @ $2.15