BREAKING: Broncos suffered a massive defeat from Sharks which grants them First NRLW Grand Final.
The Cronulla Sharks have made history, storming into their first NRLW grand final with a commanding 34-12 victory over the Brisbane Broncos. In a performance characterized by dominance, resilience, and sheer determination, the Sharks outclassed the Broncos, who struggled to match their pace and execution.
The match, played in front of an electrifying crowd, saw the Sharks take an early lead, with their aggressive play and slick ball movement keeping the Broncos on the back foot. From the opening whistle, Cronulla looked composed and confident, as they controlled the game’s tempo and made the most of every opportunity presented.
It was fullback Jada Taylor who ignited the Sharks’ attack, with a blistering run in the 15th minute that broke the Broncos’ defense wide open. Taylor’s line break was followed by a precise offload to winger Tiana Penitani, who crossed the try line, giving the Sharks an early 6-0 lead. Penitani’s finishing prowess was a hallmark of the Sharks’ attacking strategy, with her speed and positioning leaving the Broncos scrambling to keep up.
The Broncos fought hard to level the score, and they managed to get on the board with a try from Amy Turner. However, the Sharks’ defensive line proved too strong for the Broncos to break consistently. Cronulla’s defensive discipline stymied the Broncos’ attempts to gain momentum, with the Sharks effectively shutting down their forward progress and forcing errors.
Sharks halfback Maddie Studdon delivered a masterclass in playmaking, as she orchestrated the team’s attack and kept the Broncos guessing with her clever kicks and precise passing. Studdon set up multiple tries, including a beautiful cross-field kick that allowed center Tiana Taki to score in the corner, extending the Sharks’ lead to 16-6 at halftime.
In the second half, the Sharks continued their relentless attack. Prop Holli Wheeler was instrumental in gaining valuable meters, repeatedly crashing through the Broncos’ defense. Her efforts culminated in a powerful try under the posts, giving Cronulla a comfortable 22-6 lead. The Broncos, despite their best efforts, could not find an answer to Cronulla’s intensity.
With five minutes remaining, Sharks captain Tegan Berry sealed the victory with a superb solo try, sidestepping several defenders to touch down in the corner. The final score of 34-12 reflected the Sharks’ dominance and underscored their readiness for the grand final stage.
The victory is a significant milestone for the Sharks, who have been steadily building towards this moment throughout the season. They will now look to carry this momentum into the grand final, hoping to cap off their historic season with the ultimate prize.