The Sydney Roosters have survived what was shaping up to be one of the greatest grand finals comebacks ever, to claim the 2024 NRLW grand final.
Taking a 24-0 half-time lead, the Roosters looked to have the premiership locked away before a stunning second half surge from the Sharks fell just short, seeing Sydney claim their second NRLW Premiership.
Newly-minted Dally M Medallist Olivia Kernick was superb in the game, scoring twice including the decisive final try that delivered her team the title, while halfback Tarryn Aiken took out the Karyn Murphy Medal for the game's top performer.
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Who won the NRLW grand final?
The Sydney Roosters have claimed their second NRLW grand final, defeating the Cronulla Sharks 32-28.
After finishing the season in second place due to for-and-against, the Roosters cruised past the Knights in their semi-final, before what was looking to be an equally easy grand finals' effort, scoring five tries in the first half including a double for Brydie Parker.
But the script flipped in the second half, and it was Cronulla who scored five tries unanswered, with a penalty goal from the Roosters the only thing keeping them in front, 26-24.
But big moments call for big stars, and in the 66th minute Kernick delivered, crossing over for her second try, enough to extend the lead to an unsurpassable margin, despite a last minute desperation try from Cronulla's Tiana Penitani.
Tarryn Aiken was awarded the Karyn Murphy Medal following the match, after an impressive performance to help guide her team to the win.
