NRLW finals: Ali Brigginshaw and Brisbane Broncos vow to not fall into minor premiership trap

The Broncos know all too well that a minor premiership doesn’t book you an automatic ticket to the grand final. Learning from past heartbreak, skipper Ali Brigginshaw has vowed her side won’t fall into the trap again.

GOLD COAST, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 14: Ali Brigginshaw of the Broncos during the round eight NRLW match between Brisbane Broncos and Cronulla Sharks at Cbus Super Stadium on September 14, 2024 in Gold Coast, Australia. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

The most successful team in NRLW history aren’t patting themselves on the back for winning their fifth minor premiership.

Brisbane are all too aware how little that matters if they don’t win the title in Sydney in less than a fortnight.

The three-time premiers are gunning for a chance to make it four in Sunday’s semi-final clash with Cronulla at Totally Workwear Stadium.

And according to long-term skipper Ali Brigginshaw, celebrating a minor premiership is a trap.

“We acknowledged it and celebrated as a team but it’s something we put to bed straight away,” she said on Tuesday, recalling the 2021 season they lost a semi-final to the eventual premiers.

“We’ve been minor premiers before and lost in the semi finals to the Roosters.

The ultimate goal for Ali Brigginshaw and the Brisbane Broncos. Picture: NRL Photos/Gregg Porteous

“It’s something that’s going to get you through to grand final day. As a team we celebrated it, we applauded ourselves for getting there but we have a long way to go.”

Ahead of what’s expected to be a sellout clash on Sunday afternoon, the Broncos are laser focused.

Brigginshaw has shrugged off what was thought to be a sternum injury, insisting she was merely winded, while goalkicking second rower Romy Teitzel has also been named to start despite not finishing last week’s win over the Dragons with a hip problem.

“That was just winded, that took the wind out of me,” Brigginshaw said.

“I’m all good, ready to go.”

The tough skipper has fought off niggles all season.

Ali Brigginshaw has been brave with her injury battles all season. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images

“I just feel like the speed and the contact of the game is a lot higher, you’re seeing a lot more injuries in every game, big contact, things like that.

“It’s one of those years for me and for some of the girls with those injuries. It’s just something you’ve got to get on with, we play a pretty physical sport so you just have to move on.”

The Sharks have had a less than ideal run into the finals after three straight losses, and just two weeks ago the Broncos scored a win on the bell with a matchwinning try to Chelsea Lenarduzzi.

However, gun five-eighth and Brigginshaw’s Jillaroos teammate Emma Tonegato is a danger player.

“They have a big forward pack, Ellie Johnston has been playing awesome, Quincy Dodd around the middle, but Emma Tonegato, she’s someone who has played in big games and can play at that high tempo so we’re expecting big game from her,” she said.

“To be honest it’s on us, it’s how we play. We’ve got to be better and it’s something we’ll get right in our sessions this week.”