Cronulla Sharks stun Brisbane Broncos to reach first NRLW grand final
Cronulla’s Filomina Hanisi charges at the Broncos defence in Brisbane on Sunday. Photo: Getty
Cronulla has stunned minor premiers Brisbane 14-0 to reach its first NRLW decider in its second year in the competition.
Far and away the competition’s top-scoring side, the Broncos’ intimidating attack was totally nullified by a sensational Sharks defensive display at Brisbane’s Langlands Park on Sunday.
It was the first time the Broncos have been kept scoreless in their seven-year NRLW history.
Brisbane suffered a blow before kick-off with second-rower Romy Teitzel – the league’s top scorer in the home-and-away season – ruled out after picking up a hip injury in the final-round win over St George Illawarra.
There’s no stopping Annessa Biddle! 👏#NRLWFinals pic.twitter.com/LaQmdntnQk
— NRLW (@NRLWomens) September 29, 2024
Cronulla will play the winner of Sunday afternoon’s other semi-final between Sydney Roosters and Newcastle at Allianz Stadium – a fantastic achievement for the club after a sixth-placed finish in its debut season in the competition last year.
The Sharks weren’t showered in attacking opportunities but took the ones they got, while Brisbane, despite its embarrassment of firepower, looked flat and uncharacteristically error-prone.
Tiana Penitani was unstoppable bringing the ball out from the back for Cronulla.
The powerful centre ran for 160 metres and opened the scoring after an offload from Talei Holmes to give the Sharks a try advantage at half-time.
What a ball and Staples scores! 🙌#NRLWFinals @telstra Moment of the Match pic.twitter.com/SDoKsoAqRK
— NRLW (@NRLWomens) September 29, 2024
Her centre partner on the opposite flank, 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 score with 12 minutes to go after a cut-out pass by impressive five-eighth Georgia Hannaway.
The Sharks withstood a desperate late Brisbane salvo, sparking scenes of elated celebrations.
The Broncos, by contrast, were devastated after losing their third straight semi-final, having crashed out at the same stage in 2021 and 2023.
-AAP
