As it happened: Upton stars for Broncos; Roosters stay unbeaten; History made

Press conferences

Broncos 

Sharks 

Full-time: A strong first half proved key for the Broncos who held out the Sharks for a 28-14 victory. A hat-trick from superstar fullback Tamika Upton did most of the damage, with Julia Robinson and Destiny Brill also contributing to the scoreboard. Trailing 22-0 at the break, the Sharks fought hard to come back in the second, scoring the final three tries of the match to take some momentum into Round 6. However, they are unlikely to be with skipper Tiana Penitani Gray who was ruled out of the game with a Category 1 head knock. At the end of the match, possession actually ended up favouring the Sharks 51 percent, with the side also completing better with 30/34 compared to 27-34 to Brisbane. They also didn't make an error in the second half. 

66th min: The Cronulla comeback continues, this time straight through the middle with prop Ellie Johnston proving too big and strong, crashing over under the posts. The Sharks were able to set up the try after a big Kiria-Ratu bomb proved too much to handle at the back, giving up great field position. Kiria-Ratu converts her first of the afternoon and it's 28-14 to Brisbane 

56th min: Cronulla enjoy more success coming down that same side, with winger Georgia Ravics getting over right by the touchline after the Sharks were able to pounce on a Broncos error. Kiria-Ratu took the ball to the line and then got the ball away to her winger to score. The conversion attempt is waved away and it's 28-8 to Brisbane. 

53rd min: The Sharks are on the board with a try to their right-hand side, with a strong run from Grace-Lee Weekes who then slides over and ends with the ball on the chalk. Chantay Kiria-Ratu can't convert and it stays 28-4 to Brisbane. 

39th min: A hat-trick for Upton! A clever play between her and Gayle Broughton pays off, with a little kick over the top on the defensive line just out from their try line being chased by the champion fullback to score. Teitzel converts again and it's a 28-0 lead to the Broncos. 

Halftime: The Broncos go back to the sheds (again) with a strong 22-0 lead, fired early by a Tamika Upton double, either side of the lightning delay. The Broncos have been able to defy the conditions with some clever attacking play. With 54 percent of the possession and a completion rate of 14/17, the Broncos have made their time with the ball count, while the Sharks will rue making six errors to three. However, they have also shown some spark, especially from half Chantay Kiria-Ratu so will be looking to come out renews in the second half, but will have to do it without skipper Tiana Penitani Gray.

33rd min: Broncos pull further in front with Destiny Brill going over from dummyhalf from five metres out with the Sharks marker defence found lacking. Teitzel converts and it's 22-0 as the halftime siren sounds. 

Injury alert - woes for both sides with Bree Spreadborough from the Broncos off with an ankle injury. The Sharks too have been hit, with captain Tiana Penitani Gray leaving the field with a Category 1 head knock, ruling her out of the game. 

28th min: A third try for the Broncos, with Julia Robinson going over for a well-deserved try after her great run from a scrum earlier in the set helped her team go on the front foot. The Sharks had been threatening after a clever run from Chantay Kiria-Ratu, but an errant pass gave up a scrum. Off the run from Robinson, the Broncos rolled up the field and were able to find Cronulla stretched on their left. Teitzel misses the conversion and it's 16-0 to Brisbane. 

22nd min: Upton goes over for her second try of the game, chasing through on on a Ali Brigginshaw kick in behind, managing to get enough control on the ball to bring it down to score despite an unpredictable bounce with the puddles. Teitzel kicks another conversion and it's 12-0 to the Broncos. 

12th min: And we are back with the Broncos running the ball back and getting the game back under way.

12th min: The match is suspended due to lightning. There is still 24.21 to go in the first half. It's the second game today to be halted due to lightning in the vicinity. 

10th min - First points of the half go to the Broncos through superstar fullback Tamika Upton. No stranger to the stadium, the former Knight makes a break and runs through, diving through the puddles to score. The try came after some good work from Jada Ferguson from dummyhalf. Romy Teitzel converts and it's 6-0 to the Broncos. 

3rd min - The Broncos are successful with their captain's challenge with Hayley Maddick correctly calling she kept control of a ball despite some heavy defence from the Sharks. 

Late Mail

Broncos: The Broncos are 1-17 with no late changes. Annetta-Claudia Nu'uausala will start at prop with Keilee Joseph shifting to lock. Bree Spreadborough moves to the interchange while Shalom Sauaso is set to return from a sternum injury off the bench. Reegan Hicks has served her two-game ban for a Dangerous Throw and was listed among the reserves.

Sharks: Late changes with Annessa Biddle shifting from centre to the back row, allowing young gun Grace-Lee Weekes to join the backline for her second NRLW game. Manilita Takapautolo reverts to the bench, while speedster Dom du Toit has been elevated to the interchange at the expense of prop Tommaya Kelly-Sines, who is now the 18th player. On Friday, star fullback Emma Verran ruled out with a foot injury so Olympic gold medallist Tyla King moved from the interchange to fullback and Tommaya Kelly-Sines came on to the bench. Five-eighth Georgia Hannaway has been named despite leaving last week's victory over Wests Tigers with an ankle injury. Prop Ellie Johnston will play her 40th NRLW game.

 

Wests Tigers v Roosters at McDonald Jones Stadium

Press conferences

Wests Tigers

Roosters

Full-time: Another dominant display by the defending premiers who are now five from five in 2025. Their winning streak now stands at 11 dating back to Round 6 last year. That equals the best winning streak in NRLW history set by the Knights across the 2023-24 seasons.

64 min: All power from Aliyah Nasio as she takes a pass from Jocelyn Kelleher and surges through three defenders from close range. Kelleher adds the extras. Roosters 34-4.

63 min: Tigers prop Amelia Haukau is placed on report for a hair pull.

57 min: A superb Roosters try with slick hands on the left edge as Olivia Kernick, Tarryn Aiken, Aliyah Nasio and Brydie Parker combine to provide Isabelle Kelly with a saloon passage to the line for her second try. Jocelyn Kelleher converts. Roosters 28-4.

52 min: Rebecca Pollard heads for the corner on the left side but Taina Naividi comes across and bundles her into touch with a superb cover tackle.

50 min: A superb solo run by Chelsea Savill puts the Tigers on the attack and they earn a repeat set when Evie McGrath's grubber has to be grounded by the Roosters.

47 min: Great field position for the Roosters after Faythe Manera slips over and can't get a kick away on the last tackle for the Tigers.

46 min: Tarryn Aiken puts in a grubber that rebounds off a Tigers player and Aiken kicks the ball again and Olivia Kernick chases through to score but replays show Kernick is offside on the second kick so the try is ruled out. Roosters 22-4.

3.51pm: We're back! Jocelyn Kelleher takes her conversion attempt after Jess Sergis' second try. She needs Sergis to hold the ball on the kicking tee due to the wind but she still manages to land the goal. Roosters 22-4.

Play has been scheduled to re-start at 3.50pm.

3.15pm: The match is suspended due to lightning in the area.

39 min: Tarryn Aiken grubbers into the in goal and Jetaya Faifua can't control the ball. Jess Sergis dives on the loose ball and the Roosters go up 20-4. The conversion will not be taken as the players leave the field due to lightning.

Half-time: Both sides completed at 66 per cent in the wet and wild conditions as the premiers did enough to keep the Tigers at arm's length with Otesa Pule (7 runs for 83 metres) and Olivia Kernick (7 runs for 64 metres) laying the platform. The Roosters came up with three line breaks to nil and controlled the game through the kicking of Jocelyn Kelleher and Tarryn Aiken.

30 min: A superb long kick by Jocelyn Kelleher pins the Tigers deep in their own territory again and they make just 25 metres before coming up with an error in the ruck.

27 min: Sarah Togatuki puts the ball down and the Tigers are under the pump again but the Roosters return the favour when Taina Naividi fails to cling on to an Isabelle Kelly offload.

26 min: The Tigers are forced into a short dropout but come up trumps when the ball just goes 10 metres and Olivia Kernick knocks it on.

23 min: A mistake by Lily Rogan coming out of her own end puts the Tigers under pressure and the Roosters pounce with Amber Hall powering past four defenders to post the 11th try of her career. Jocelyn Kelleher converts. Roosters 16-4.

19 min: A clever grubber by Tigers fullback Jetaya Faifua pulls up in a puddle and Emily Bass chases through to dive on the ball and score. Roosters 10-4.

17 min: Roosters halfback Tarryn Aiken puts a midfield bomb out on the full to hand the Tigers a chance to hit back.

11 min: Isabelle Kelly picks up a loose pass 15 metres out and uses her speed and footwork to power across for the Roosters' second try. Jocelyn Kelleher pushes the conversion wide. Roosters 10-0.

8 min: Wests Tigers lock Pihuka Berryman-Duff leaves the field for a HIA which she passes and is able to return.

6 min: Tarryn Aiken goes across field and turns a rampaging Jess Sergis underneath for the game's opening try and Sergis' first four-pointer of the season. Jocelyn Kelleher converts. Roosters 6-0.

2 min: An early shot at points for the Roosters but Jasmin Strange puts the ball down.

Late Mail

Wests Tigers: The changes continue for the Tigers after star halfback Losana Lutu was omitted in the side named 60 minutes before kick-off. NSW Under 19s five-eighth Evie McGrath will step in to replace Lutu after being dropped for last weekend's match against the Sharks. The Tigers lost three players for the season in the loss at Cronulla, with Claudia Nielsen (leg) replaced by Rebecca Pollard on the wing, while Lily Rogan comes into the centres for Terina Te Tamaki. With Christian Pio injured, Amelia Huakau moves from lock to prop, with Pihuka Berryman-Duff shifting from hooker to lock.

Roosters: Golden Boot winner Tarryn Aiken has been named at halfback after recovering from a shoulder injury suffered during the Origin series. Aiken's return has seen Jocelyn Kelleher move to five-eighth, with Corban Baxter shifting to fullback and Brydie Parker to the wing. Tavarna Papalii's return from a fractured jaw has been put on hold after she dropped out of the squad on Friday.

 

Titans v Bulldogs at McDonald Jones Stadium

80 min: The game has ended in a 14-14 draw after neither team was able to break the deadlock in extra-time. The Titans and Bulldogs will receive one point each - the first time there has been a draw in NRLW history.

75 min: Pressure from Jaime Chapman denied Preston a second field goal attempt the scores remain level at 14-14 as the teams turn around for the final five minutes of extra time.

74 min: The Titans got into position for Brown but a knock and penalty gave the Bulldogs the last chance before the end of the first half.

73 min: Preston misses a field goal attempt.

70 min: We are going to Golden Point for just the fourth time in NRLW history. Lauren Brown and Tayla Preston are the likely field goal kickers for the Titans and Bulldogs.

65 min: Preston has kicked another 40/30 to up the pressure on the Titans and then forced a goal line drop out with a grubber in the wet conditions.

The teams are back to 13 v 13 after Solia returned from the sinbin for the Titans but the Bulldogs have been forced into another change after Hope Millard came from the field. 

The Bulldogs have activated their 18th player Shaquaylah Mahakitau-Monschau

47 min: The Bulldogs have drew level after MacGregor crossed for her second try of the match after Preston and Quinlan combined before Tagoai sent her winger with a perfectly time pass. However, there was drama after the try with Tagoai left prone on the ground and Solia sent to the sinbin for a high tackle. Preston missed the sideline conversion. Titans 14 Bulldogs 14. 

43 min: Preston has produced a 40/30 kick to build on the second half momentum for the Bulldogs.

40 min: The Dogs received some good news at the break with Muru and Uilou cleared to return and they fared even better on the scoreboard when Preston and five-eighth Ash Quinlan combined to put centre Monica Tagoai over. Preston converted. Titans 14 Bulldogs 10.

Halftime Summary: The Titans have weathered the first half storm better than the Bulldogs, literally, to lead 14-4 at the interval. After losing star forward Alexis Tauaneai (hamstring) before kick-off, Canterbury coach Brayden Williame was left with just one player on the bench following a trifecta if injuries in the opening minutes. Forwards Shannon Muru and Paea Uilou were forced off for HIAs, while replacement Shaq Mahakitau-Monschau suffered an ankle injury but later returned. The Titans lost winger Lily Patston after she failed a HIA. With the conditions wet, possession is always going to be an issue and the Bulldogs conceded five penalties while making four errors. Handling was impressive for both teams in the conditions, with the Titans completing 15 of their 20 sets of possession and the Bulldogs 11 of their 14 sets.

32 min: An important try for the Titans just before halftime after makeshift winger Jasmine Solia, deputising for Patston after she failed her HIA, swooping on a perfectly weighted grubber kick from Brown. Titans 14-4.

29 min: The Bulldogs hit back almost immediately with 18-year-old winger Elizabeth MacGregor diving over in the corner to take her tally to three tries in two games after debuting in last weekend's 42-22 loss to Sydney Roosters. Preston missed the conversion. Titans 10 Bulldogs 4.

26 min: Natashi Penitani has put the Titans further ahead after crashing over for her first try as the rains eases. Brown converted from in front of the posts. Titans 10-0.

15 min: Despite the adversity the Bulldogs continue to push the Titans and forced a goal-line drop out after Grey put down a kick by Tayla Preston in her own in-goal.  

11 min: The Titans have struck first on the scoreboard with winger Georgia Gray crossing in the corner. Lauren Brown missed the conversion. Titans 4-0.

7 min: The drama continues for the Bulldogs at McDonald Jones Stadium with replacement Shaniece Monschau, who came on for Muru, becoming the third player to come from the field after suffering an ankle injury.

5 min: It's getting busy in the Bulldogs medical room with lock Paea Uilou also undergoing a HIA.

3 min: We have kick-off in Newcastle and both teams have been hit by early injuries, with Titans winger Lily Patston assisted from the field with an ankle injury, while Bulldogs forward Shannon Muru has been forced off for a HIA.

Some huge news on the eve of kick-off in Magic Round, with the number of female

participants hitting the 50,000 milestone for the first time ever.

The opening game of the inaugural NRLW Magic Round is not far away and while Newcastle has been hammered by heavy rain and strong winds fans were lined up waiting to get into McDonald Jones Stadium and the players are excited to play.

Team news

Titans: Captain Georgia Hale will again start at hooker with Lily-Rose Kolc dropping back to the interchange. As a result, Sienna Lofipo moves from prop to lock and Laikha Clarke starts up front. The last time the Titans won three in a row was late in the 2023 season when they strung together five on the bounce. Taliah Fuimaono is 18th player.

Bulldogs: A late change for the Bulldogs with star backrower Alexis Tauaneai dropping out. As a result Paea Uilou has been promoted to start at lock and Pauline Suli-Ruka joins the interchange. Hooker Ebony Prior is also on the bench, with Anneka Wilson to start. Big name forwards Holli Wheeler and Teagan Dymock played for the club's Harvey Norman NSWRL Women's Premiership team after being dropped by coach Brayden Williame.