Sydney Roosters pull off biggest upset in NRLW history

The Brisbane Broncos have become accustomed to premiership success but they won’t even be playing in this year’s decider.

Jessica Sergis was one of the Roosters’ best. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

The Sydney Roosters have produced perhaps the greatest upset in NRLW history, defeating the all-conquering, red-hot favourite Brisbane Broncos 22-16 in the second semi-final on Sunday.

After a fast start for the Broncos shot them out to 16-0 inside the first 16 minutes at Leichhardt Oval, the Roosters came back with a vengeance, scoring 22 unanswered points to storm past the three-time champions.

Before Sunday, the Broncos had lost just two games in the four season-history of NRLW, the most recent coming in round four against the Gold Coast Titans 28-26 in round four.

The history books can now make that three.

It was the Roosters’ first defeat of the Broncos in NRLW with the Warriors the only other side to post a win against them.

Stream every game of every round of the 2022 NRL Telstra Premiership Season Live & Ad-Break Free In Play on Kayo. New to Kayo? Try 14-Days Free Now >

In different ways, the dynamic centre pairing of Jess Sergis and Isabelle Kelly were brave and brilliant, adding to the impetus provided by the forward pack that laid the platform.

Adding to the depth of the upset was the round one between the two sides which saw the Broncos home 20-4, and in a further twist of fate, the Roosters needed the Broncos to defeat Parramatta by 16 or more last week to qualify for the finals’ series — a favour the Broncos now wish they hadn’t granted despite the 38-4 win over Parramatta.

“We really fed off that (underdog tag) during the week,” said Roosters coach John Strange post-match.

“We spoke at training that no one gave us a chance and it was us and those four walls that believed. And that’s all that mattered.

“It feels amazing … I had a chat with the girls before we went out today and it was about creating history today,” captain Corban Baxter concurred.

A mistake from winger Emily Bass deep inside her own half, early in the second half, was a clear signal all was not going to script for Brisbane. Then when 20-year-old rookie forward Keilee Joseph carried defenders over the line with less than 20 minutes to go, scores were tied at 16 and all the momentum was with the Roosters.

The panic button was firmly hit when bench player Jocelyn Kelleher forced her way over the line for the biggest of underdogs. A Tarry Aiken kick out on the full with less than five remaining confirmed the horror show.

The Roosters had won just two matches all season to qualify for the semis and have qualified for their third NRLW Grand Final.

The Roosters have upset the reigning champions. Image: Twitter

Sergis Brave, Kelly Brilliant

Returning from injury, centre Jess Sergis performed a crucial second one-on-one steal in the closing minutes on second rower Kaitlyn Phillips that ultimately sealed it.

The 24-year-old NSW origin representative and 2019 Golden Boot winner was in a moon boot just two weeks ago for her side’s thrilling one-point win over Parramatta which ultimately proved the difference between finals and not for her new side.

Sergis will now get the opportunity to tick off an NRLW premiership next Sunday in Redcliffe, when she’ll meet her former side the Dragons.

She finished with 79 run metres and 15 tackles in her return match, but nothing could match her centre partner Isabelle Kelly who ran for 142 metres, made 17 tackles and scored a vital first half try to open the Roosters’ account.

“I thought she was outstanding today (Jess Sergis),” Strange said post-match.

“She’s been carrying some niggles with her ankle and knee ... as was Isabelle Kelly, she had a sickness bug and woke up at 4am vomiting.

“And tested negative (to Covid),” the coach was at strains to emphasise.

Only Broncos enforcer up front Millie Boyle could better that with 177 run metres.

The Broncos and Roosters played out a thriller. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

Upton makes quiet return

Fullback Tamika Upton returned to the starting line-up after a bout of Covid-19 but failed to make the impact normally expected of her.

The 25-year-old from Rockhampton had not played since round three, through a head knock and then Covid-19, forced into isolation for the 34-point win over Parramatta.

Upton’s 100% NRLW winning record was destroyed in the stunning upset with the fullback finishing with just 32 run metres early in the second half, and finished with 98 as things got desperate.

“We talked about Tamika and how we wanted to shut her down. We know how dangerous she is at the back,” Strange said.

Originally published as Sydney Roosters pull off biggest upset in NRLW history