Press Coffee
The Sydney Roosters made history in the 2024 NRL Women’s Premiership by defeating the Cronulla Sharks 32-28 in a thrilling grand final at Accor Stadium. This marked the Roosters’ second NRLW premiership, a victory defined by dominance in the first half and resilience in the face of a massive second-half comeback attempt by Cronulla.
Key Moments of the Roosters’ 2024 Victory
- First-Half Dominance: The Roosters came out strong, quickly establishing a 24-0 lead by halftime. Winger Brydie Parker and captain Olivia Kernick were instrumental, with Parker scoring two tries and Kernick securing the game’s first try. Five-eighth Jocelyn Kelleher’s tactical kicks also played a crucial role, creating pressure that forced several errors from the Sharks.
- Cronulla’s Comeback: The second half was an entirely different story. The Sharks rallied and scored five tries, pulling the score to a nerve-wracking 26-24. Ellie Johnston’s miraculous play, where she caught the ball between her legs and crossed the line, nearly completed one of the greatest comebacks in NRLW history.
- The Decisive Moment: Olivia Kernick, fresh off winning the Dally M Medal, delivered the critical blow for the Roosters. Her second try extended the lead and secured victory despite Cronulla’s desperate last-minute push.
Record-Breaking Achievements
- Millie Elliott’s Historic Win: Elliott became the first woman to win premierships with three different NRL clubs, adding this Roosters win to her previous triumphs with the Brisbane Broncos and Newcastle Knights.
- A Packed Accor Stadium: A crowd of over 40,000 fans witnessed this exhilarating contest, with the Roosters earning their first-ever win at this iconic venue after four previous attempts.
Sydney Roosters’ 2024 NRLW Win
- How did the Roosters secure victory in the NRLW Grand Final 2024? The Sydney Roosters dominated the first half with a 24-0 lead, but it was Olivia Kernick’s late try that sealed the win after Cronulla’s thrilling second-half comeback.
- Who were the standout players in the 2024 NRLW Grand Final? Olivia Kernick, Brydie Parker, and Jocelyn Kelleher were among the standout performers for the Roosters, while Tiana Penitani and Ellie Johnston led the Sharks’ heroic comeback efforts.
- What was the biggest moment in the 2024 NRLW Grand Final? The match’s turning point came in the 66th minute when Olivia Kernick crossed over for her second try, providing the breathing room needed to fend off the Sharks’ relentless charge.
- How close was the 2024 NRLW Grand Final? Despite a comfortable first-half lead, the Roosters faced intense pressure as the Sharks narrowed the score to 32-28, with Cronulla nearly pulling off a stunning comeback in the game’s final moments.
- What records were broken in the 2024 NRLW Grand Final? Millie Elliott made history by becoming the first woman to win NRLW titles with three different clubs, solidifying her legacy as one of the sport’s greats.
- What does this win mean for the Sydney Roosters’ legacy? This second premiership cements the Roosters’ status as a powerhouse in NRLW, following their first grand final victory in 2021. They are now firmly established as one of the competition’s most successful teams.
The Sydney Roosters’ victory will be remembered for their incredible start, the dramatic twists, and the nerve to hold off a rampant Sharks team. Their blend of star power, tactical nous, and resilience is what ultimately delivered them the 2024 title.