NRLW grand final brawl: Analysing the wild full-time scenes between Roosters and Broncos

Tensions were threatening to bubble over in the minutes before a melee broke out on full-time in the NRLW grand final. See the events that led to and followed the wild fight between the Roosters and Broncos.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – OCTOBER 05: Aliyah Nasio of the Roosters and Julia Robinson of the Broncos flight at full-time during the NRLW Grand Final match between the Sydney Roosters and Brisbane Broncos at Accor Stadium on October 05, 2025, in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

Sydney Roosters forward Aliyah Nasio will have to wait another week before fronting the NRL judiciary after being the only player charged in a frenzied melee on full-time in Sunday’s NRLW grand final.

The judiciary hearing has been pushed back following Monday’s public holiday and with no matches to be impacted over the weekend.

The 19-year-old forward was referred directly to judiciary to face a grade three striking charge.

In clear footage, Nasio is seen landing a punch on the face of Brisbane centre Julia Robinson as chaos broke out after the siren.

A frenzied finish to the best NRLW grand final yet, the Broncos scored a controversial try with three minutes on the clock to win 22-18, ramping up the tension in an already frantic finish to the season.

The tension bubbled over from there.

Tensions erupted as full-time. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

Aliyah Nasio lands a punch. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

Julia Robinson is left with a bloody nose. Picture: Adam Head

Taking a deep dive on the footage, this is how the drama unfolded.

Did Mele Hufanga get this ball down?

• Brisbane centre and Karyn Murphy Medallist Mele Hufanga is awarded a try with three minutes on the clock, but Roosters claim she never got it down with Jasmin Strange’s hand under the ball and Olivia Kernick and Rima Butler on the spot in defence. Referee Belinda Clarke awards the try and the bunker finds no evidence to overturn it.

Ali Brigginshaw is collected high by Aliyah Nasio

• With less than a minute on the clock Broncos captain Ali Brigginshaw collects a kick and is whacked by Nasio as she’s falling to the ground. The Roosters forward appears to have caught her high with her forearm and is put on report but later escapes charge, and Brigginshaw is ordered from the field with 20 seconds to go for a HIA.

Gayle Broughton takes last run of the game

• Broncos five-eighth Gayle Broughton takes last run of the game, chased down by Nasio and Jess Sergis, with Robinson and Bri Clark on the spot to celebrate as the siren sounds.

A confrontation sparks between Nasio, Robinson and Clark

• A confrontation sparks between Nasio, Robinson and Clark, believed to have stemmed from the hit on Brigginshaw.

• Nasio lands blows on Robinson with both players holding each other by the shirt, and Robinson turns away with a bloodied face.

Tensions erupted after the full-time whistle

• Players rush in from all over the field, some thinking there’s a celebration, others seeing the fight. A Broncos staffer is seen recording the moment believing there was jubilation.

• Broncos co-captain Tamika Upton and Roosters forward Macie Carlisle break through the middle of the commotion to bust up the tangle of players.

Isabelle Kelly takes Nasio away

• Pulled away from the scene, Roosters captain Isabelle Kelly takes Nasio away from the pack with an arm around her.

Gayle Broughton charges in

• Broughton, held back by teammates, then runs back into the commotion, haphazardly grabbing Keeley Davis and then is pulled out of the fracas by Hufanga.

Tempers simmer and hugs are exchanged

• Former Knights teammates Rima Butler and Upton have words then hug, while players disperse and begin shaking hands.

Originally published as NRLW grand final brawl: Analysing the wild full-time scenes between Roosters and Broncos