Rugby League world flush with praise for Walsh
9:49 PM AEDT | Chris McCarthy
Deservedly so – if only by the metric of how often he was mentioned in this live blog – Reece Walsh has been awarded the Clive Churchill Medal for man of the match. There will undoubtedly be discussion in the coming weeks surrounding why he was not sent off for a high tackle in the first half, however it cannot be denied that his performance tonight was one of the best we’ve seen.
City of champions
9:38 PM AEDT | Banjo Tucker
It’s been a football season for the records for Queenslanders.
This is the first time ever that a club has won both the NRLW and NRL titles in the same season and the first time a Queensland team has won the NRL and AFL in the same year, after the Brisbane Lions were victorious in the AFL Grand Final.
The celebrations throughout Queensland’s capital are sure to be loud and proud throughout the night.
Brisbane Brilliance!
9:33 PM AEDT | Chris McCarthy
Brisbane have secured the Provan-Summons Trophy for the first time since 2006. Reece Walsh has proved his defence on top of his playmaking efforts tonight as he defended a last-ditch attempt from Melbourne in the final minute.
BIFF
9:30 PM AEDT | Chris McCarthy
A shoulder hit has sparked a biff, with both teams coming to blows. No punches were thrown – as is usual in the game these days – but the initial hit has drawn the attention of referee Grant Atkins, and he sent off Melbourne’s Trent Loiero. They’ll be down to 12 for the last two minutes. It’s going to take something magic here for the Storm to overturn the four-point deficit.
Both sides on the redline
9:26 PM AEDT | Chris McCarthy
The last 10 minutes have seen knock-ons from both sides, big hits and forced and unforced errors. These players have been bouncing off the limiter, with four minutes to go. Melbourne are hungry to gain back their early lead but Brisbane are playing their best footy of the game so far.
Huge Turnout at Accor Stadium
9:23 PM AEDT | Ted Schief
A reported 80,223 people are in attendance tonight, just a few thousand short of Accor stadium’s official capacity.
Broncos Injury – Ben Hunt exits the game for concussion protocols
9:22 PM AEDT | Ted Schief
After losing their captain Adam Reynolds, Brisbane will also finish this game without Ben Hunt, leaving the game after a head knock. This leaves the Broncos without their veteran leaders with just 8 minutes to go.
Storm Blows Chances
9:20 PM AEDT | Banjo Tucker
With less than 15 minutes left, Melbourne’s desperation seems to be getting to them, having thrown away several golden chances at taking back the lead in the game’s final moments.
Will Warbrick fumbled a pass out of bounds right before Ryan Papenhuyzen squandered his own line break with a rogue pass.
BREAKING NEWS – police operation at Croydon Park
9:16 PM AEDT | Chris McCarthy and Caitlin Maloney
A warning to Grand Final attendees commuting to or through Croydon Park tonight. NSW Police have advised of a major operation underway on St Georges Road. Reports indicate an active shooter has fired upon a police car, with four people injured according to Sydney Morning Herald.
The area has been locked down with Georges River Road closed between Croydon Avenue and Seymor Street and Brighton Avenue closed between Georges River Road and Queensborough Road.
Police have advised the public to stay inside and for motorists to avoid the area.
Have Melbourne Cracked?
9:09 PM AEDT | Chris McCarthy
The camera panned to Craig Bellamy as an unforced knock-on saw a tidbit of Storm momentum turned back over to Brisbane. The five-time Grand Final winning coach did not look impressed.
TRY – Broncos Stampeding
9:05 PM AEDT | Chris McCarthy
It took less than a set for Brisbane to make another trip to Melbourne’s goal line. Walsh set up another pearler, cutting out two of Melbourne’s defence in a long pass to see Gehamat Shibasaki bag his first try of the evening.
“Is there anything this kid can’t do?” – the commentators are loving Reece Walsh tonight – and rightly so. It appears he’s had some kick coaching from the likes of David Beckham as he curls left to right, putting Brisbane up 26-22 with 20 minutes to play.
TRY – Broncos Stirring
9:01 PM AEDT | Chris McCarthy
“Walsh is too smart,” remarked the 2GB commentators.
The fullback picked up a dropped ball as a result of a big hit from Ezra Mam, getting it out to the corner where Deine Mariner was waiting to take it over the line. Walsh took over tee duties for Reynolds but wasn’t able to convert a tricky kick for goal. The momentum has shifted here, as Brisbane trail 22-20 with 23 minutes to play.
NO TRY – Broncos looming
9:00 PM AEDT | Chris McCarthy
Brisbane don’t seem to have noticed the absence of skipper Adam Reynolds. They’ve been all over Melbourne’s line for the past five minutes and Reece Walsh lobbed a Hail Mary pass to the outside. It went over, but Grant Atkins has ruled it forward, denying Brisbane their fourth try.
Broncos Injury – Reynolds Out
8:58 PM AEDT | Banjo Tucker
Just a few minutes after kicking the conversion, Broncos captain and halfback Adam Reynolds limped to the sideline and was carried off the field.
It looks like the Broncos will without their lead playmaker – a huge blow for them as they try to mount a comeback.
Fans getting their money’s worth
8:53 PM AEDT | Sam Lawrence, from the field
Crowds have filled Sydney’s Accor Stadium to watch the NRL Grand Final. Photo: Sam Lawrence.
There’s two interstate teams at Sydney Olympic Park, but you wouldn’t believe it based on the atmosphere. There have been 34 points scored in the first half in what has been a brilliant game so far.
TRY – Broncos mount comeback
8:50 PM AEDT | Chris McCarthy
Could this be the start of a trademark second half comeback for Brisbane? Gehamat Shibasaki powered through the Storm defence and grounded the ball with one outstretched arm to bring Brisbane back into the fold.
Right on the touch line though, the conversion was a tough ask for Adam Reynolds, with the ball fading left of the uprights. Storm 22-Broncos 16 with 33 minutes to play.
NO TRY – Storm inches from dream second half opening
8:47 PM AEDT | Banjo Tucker
It only took four minutes into the second half for Melbourne to get a major chance to add to their lead. Tui Kamikamica was unable to ground the ball after a great stop by the Brisbane defence. The score remains 22-12.
8:29 PM AEDT | Chris McCarthy
Halftime: A high-scoring decider so far
8:29 PM AEDT | Chris McCarthy
As the halftime buzzer sounds, the score lies at 22-12, somewhat of a surprise given the two semi-finals saw combined scores of 30 and 36 respectively. The record scoreline for a Grand Final was set in 2001 when Newcastle beat Parramatta 30-24. Given we’re well over 50 per cent of that total, could we see a record-breaking scoreline in 2025?
TRY – Instant response puts Storm back in driver’s seat
8:18 PM AEDT | Banjo Tucker
Jahrome Hughes grounded the ball under the posts after faking several defenders, with Reynolds bringing the lead back up to 10 points in front. The Storm’s offence has been electric thus far, not allowing Brisbane to control the game.
TRY – ‘Reece Lighting’ under the post
8:13 PM AEDT | Ted Schief
Walsh relentlessly powered his way through multiple defenders to place the ball under uprights for an easy Adam Reynolds conversion.
It is now a one-score game as the Broncos cut the deficit to four.
Storm Dominating Possession
8:03 PM AEDT | Chris McCarthy
With 24 minutes played, the Storm have completed twice the sets of Brisbane, but a mistake from the boys in purple has just shifted the momentum, with a Broncos scrum and a well-placed kick seeing the maroon of Brisbane back into enemy territory.
TRY – Storm make it three in a row
8:01 PM AEDT | Banjo Tucker
The Storm have begun to apply the pressure now as their backline once again makes quick work of Brisbane’s defence, finding Will Warbrick in the corner diving over the try line.
Storm Injury
7:58 PM AEDT | Ted Schief
Reserve State of Origin player and Storm centre Jack Horwath has exited the field with a leg injury.
He has been replaced by halfback Tyran Wishart.
Update – 32 minutes: Jack Howarth will not be returning to the field.
TRY – Storm make it two in a row
7:52 PM AEDT | Chris McCarthy
Eliesa Katoa out-sprinted the Broncos defence to halt the ball in the right-hand corner. Melbourne have spent the last six minutes or so right on the Broncos line looking for an opportunity and the one that presented itself was well within their control. Melbourne are looking ominous 16 minutes in.
Meaney converted the try to make it 12-6 to Melbourne.
TRY – Melbourne responds quickly
7:45 PM AEDT | Banjo Tucker
After some beautiful backline ball work from the Storm, Nick Meaney cut in across the goal line to score the Storm’s first points of the night, before also nailing the conversion to tie the game at six a piece.
TRY – Broncos Draw First Blood
7:40 PM AEDT | Chris McCarthy
Broncos Deine Mariner made it across to open up the batting after less than two minutes of play. He was desperately close to the dead ball line as he sought to place the ball closer to the posts – but it looks like it’s fine, just.
Walsh’s efforts have made Adams Reynolds’ conversion attempt a walk in the park – and it’s six-nil to Brisbane after four minutes.
Quick Stats
7:29 PM AEDT | Chris McCarthy
There are no last minute changes for either side before the big dance. The Storm are unchanged from the side that toppled Cronulla last weekend, while the Broncos see skipper Pat Carrigan return to the squad from suspension.
- The Storm have won 17 of the last 19 match-ups with The Broncos
- Broncos centre Katoni Staggs has scored eight tries in his last eight games
- The Storm have 21 Grand Final appearances between them
- The Broncos have 12 Grand Final appearances between them
- These two teams played against each other in the 2006 Grand Final, where Brisbane won 15-8
NRL Grand Final kicks off
7:29 PM AEDT | Banjo Tucker
The 2025 NRL Grand Final is almost underway, with the Broncos and the Storm readying themselves for a premiership deciding battle. Neither team is a stranger to this stage as the teams both fell short to the Panthers in the last two grand finals, and are itching to redeem themselves tonight.
NRL’s omnipresent force, the Storm are making their 10th grand final in the past 20 years behind their coach Craig Bellamy. Their veteran laden team led by Ryan Papenhuyzen, Jahrome Hughes and Harry Grant and are known for being able to control the pace of the game and shut down their opponents.
Brisbane is gunning to turn around their Grand Final luck after extremely tight losses in their last two appearances. The polarising young fullback Reece Walsh will be without a doubt one of the most dangerous players on the field tonight and is joined by NRL legends Ben Hunt and Adam Reynolds, aiming to capture a title in the later stages of their career.
Despite no NSW teams in the big game, Accor Stadium is packed and rocking, ready to crown a new NRL champion for the first time in four seasons.
Teddy Swims on stage
7:20 PM AEDT | Chris McCarthy and Ted Schief
Speculation US superstar Teddy Swims would not perform tonight has been rife the past fortnight, after the 33 year-old cancelled a performance in Honolulu last week.
The Grammy-nominated artist opened his set with 2023 hit ‘The Door’, before surprising the crowd with a cover of ‘TNT’ by iconic Australian band AC/DC. Swims alluded to the cover earlier in the week, telling Channel Nine the surprise act was by one of his “favourite groups ever, so I hope I do it justice. People are going to lose their minds”.
Swims has concluded the pre-show entertainment with his smash-hit ‘Lose Control’, and the crowd have lapped up every bar.
US singer Teddy Swims performed at the NRL Grand Final ahead of the game. Photo: Sam Lawrence.
NRLW attendance skyrockets
6:00 PM AEDT | Banjo Tucker
46,288 people were in attendance this afternoon for the Grand Final as part of the NRLW/NRL doubleheader at Accor Stadium. This number eclipsed last year’s mark of 40,623, showcasing a growing interest in the women’s side of the sport.
The stage is set
5:56 PM AEDT | Chris McCarthy
It’s looking like the year of the Queenslander in Australian sport.
Following last week’s win for the Brisbane Lions in the AFL Grand Final, the Broncos now have the opportunity to make it three titles in eight days for the Sunshine State.
If the men’s team can secure a victory over The Melbourne Storm tonight, they’ll also be the first club to win both the men’s and women’s premierships. It’ll also be the first time a Queensland team has won the premiership of both major codes in the same year.
‘Highest of Highs’
5:52 PM AEDT | Chris McCarthy
Broncos’ Jada Ferguson has told 2GB she’s experienced “The lowest of lows and the highest of highs in that game”.
Kicker Romy Teitzel has spoken of the challenges of the heat – 29 degrees at kickoff in Sydney – saying the team stuck to their plan, crediting the their leadership, as well as Mele Hufanga’s impact as key in their premiership victory.
Brisbane Broncos win the 2025 NRLW Grand Final
5:46 PM AEDT | Banjo Tucker
After an amazing start, the Broncos were able to weather a quick trio of Roosters tries to storm through and take their fourth NRLW title, with the final score being 22-18. Brisbane players and fans alike have embraced as they take down the champs in a Grand Final for the ages.
Try – Broncos fight back
5:38 PM AEDT | Chris McCarthy
Mele Hufanga made it over the line. The Broncos front-rower has been impactful all afternoon and only just managed to ground the ball. Brianna Clarke made a simple conversion to put the Broncos ahead 22-18 with four minutes to play.
Triple Injury Blow for The Roosters
5:35 PM AEDT | Chris McCarthy
Roosters physios are attending to Isobel Kelly, while her teammate Keeley Davis has taken a big hit to the face, swelling up instantly. Rima Butler has a golfball-sized egg on her right cheek. All three look to be heading off. This will be a massive blow to the Roosters’ premiership defence with just over five minutes to play.
TRY – Rookie of the year dives home to close the gap
5:28 PM AEDT | Banjo Tucker
With less than 10 minutes remaining in the game, 18-year-old Shalom Sauaso has found the goal line, but Romy Teitzel’s kick is way off, skying into the stands to the right of the posts. The Broncos trail by two points in what is showing to be a nailbiting Grand Final.
TRY – Roosters surge ahead
5:19 PM AEDT | Chris McCarthy
The Eastern Suburbs girls are loving the eastern side of the field this afternoon, as Mia Wood puts it down in the far corner.
The Roosters must feel like a try is worth six points at the moment, after Kelleher took another conversion in her stride with military precision.
The momentum is squarely with the Roosters now; pressure time for the Broncos.
TRY – Roosters are on a roll
5:15 PM AEDT | Chris McCarthy
Eliza Lopamaua has stormed her way across the line, placing the ball with textbook precision between the feet of three defending Broncos. After a small discussion on a potential knock-on, the try is confirmed. Jocelyn Kelleher slotted an easy conversion to bring the game to level pegging with a quarter of the match to play.
TRY – Roosters fight-back begins
5:09 PM AEDT | Chris McCarthy
Brydie Parker has opened the Roosters’ account with a brilliant piece of individual play, going by herself down the eastern touch line with one of the biggest individual runs of the game. Could this be the jump-start the reigning premiers need?
The landmark try is backed up by an incredible conversion from Jocelyn Kelleher, who wasted no time getting boot to ball without delay to slot it perfectly between the uprights. 12-6 Broncos lead with 22 minutes to play.
Roosters need points quickly
5:04 PM AEDT | Banjo Tucker
Another great chance for the Roosters was squandered after a knock-on at the 10 metre line. With less than half an hour to go, the defending champs find themselves running out of time. If they are to keep this game competitive, they’ll need to rediscover the offensive spark that has defined their season and get points on the board quickly.
Drama in the bunker
4:58PM AEDT | Chris McCarthy
A captain’s challenge to overturn an alleged Roosters knock-on, on grounds of it being a strip, has been denied. Commentators on both 2GB and Channel Nine are debating the credentials of those in the bunker, saying it was clearly a strip.
Halftime
4:56PM AEDT | Chris McCarthy
The underdogs have shocked the crowd, storming out to a commanding 12-0 lead at the end of the first half as both Tamika Upton and Jada Ferguson crossed the goal line.
The Roosters had their chances in the middle stages of the half after several Broncos errors and a line break by Shawden Burton, but were ultimately held scoreless after the first 35 minutes. The Broncos’ hard-hitting intensity in the forward pack has come out of the sheds fast, whilst the Roosters will need to regain their composure to complete the perfect season.
TRY – Jada Ferguson sneaks over
4:37 PM AEDT | Chris McCarthy
From dummy-half, Jada Ferguson dives over the line, extending the ball over her head to just barely add another four points with five minutes remaining in the first half. Just three metres to the left of the posts, Romy Teitzel has no problems adding another two to make it 12-0 approaching halftime. The Roosters have a challenge ahead of them now.
NRL engaging more young fans than ever
4:32 PM AEDT | Banjo Tucker
More fans are watching, attending and engaging with the NRL than ever before, as the league ends the year in a stronger position than ever.
As the 2025 season comes to a close tonight, the league has a lot to celebrate, after it was confirmed NRL was the number-one sport in Australia and the Pacific region once again and had unprecedented growth in several areas.
Speaking at Monday’s Grand Final launch at Sydney Harbour, NRL CEO Andrew Abdo echoed this sentiment.
“We’ve had a phenomenal season, we’ve broken records, the response from our fans has been incredible and that’s because the football has been incredible,” he said.
The NRL’s connection with their younger audience boomed over the season, as viewership among 16-39 year olds grew 54 per cent from last year.
The NRL’s digital presence has also been higher than ever, with views on NRL.com and the NRL app up 116 per cent, and international streaming also taking a 9 per cent jump from the 2024 campaign.
TRY – Dally M Medallist Tamika Upton draws first blood
4:25 PM AEDT | Chris McCarthy
From a scrum 10 metres out from the Roosters’ line, Tamika Upton takes it wide and faces no opposition to get four points on the board. Romy Teitzel converts to make the score six-nil, 20 minutes in.
TRY – Broncos over the line but denied at the bunker
4:21 PM AEDT | Chris McCarthy
Ali Brigginshaw put one up high on the last play of the set, but a knock-on as the ball was caught means Hayley Maddick’s trip across the goal line has been denied a few minutes later. The score remains nil-all halfway through the first half.
Nil-all 15 minutes in
4:18 PM AEDT | Chris McCarthy
What an electric start to this hotly anticipated final. The scoreline is still sitting at nil-all, with both sides having had real opportunities to score.
The decision to arrive early has surely been vindicated by those braving the sun at Accor Stadium, which appears to be at about 50 per cent capacity, but expecting more to arrive throughout the match.
Swing and a miss
4:06 PM AEDT | Chris McCarthy
Gayle Broughton, with a chip on the last play of the set, almost sends the Broncos over for an early try, but the reigning premiers hold up the Queenslanders just inches from the try with four minutes gone.
Last minute team changes for reigning premiers
3:59 PM AEDT | Chris McCarthy
The NRLW Grand Final is about to kick-off, and it’s set to be a matchup as hotly contested as the men’s game at 7:30 pm. The Sydney Roosters are looking to cap off a record unbeaten season, the first of its kind for either gendered competition.
Facing them, the Brisbane Broncos are carrying strong momentum into this game, having won all four of their contests at Accor Stadium this season. Joined by their men’s team on Grand Final day, Brisbane are chasing the honour of becoming the first club to win both competitions in the same year.
The Roosters have a last-minute challenge to face though, with Star forward Amber Hall ruled out with a calf injury. Hall will be replaced by Jayde Herdegen, making her NRLW debut from the interchange bench. Adding insult to injury, winger Taina Naividi sustained a late injury in Saturday’s captain’s run and will be replaced by Mia Wood from the bench.
Good afternoon and welcome
3:56 PM AEDT | Caitlin Maloney
Welcome to Central News’ live blog of the 2025 NRL Grand Final. We will be bringing you the latest updates from our newsroom and reporters at Accor Stadium throughout the evening.
The NRLW Grand Final will kick off first, with the Brisbane Broncos taking on the Sydney Roosters at 4:00 pm, followed by the men’s game at 7:30 pm, where the Melbourne Storm will compete against the Brisbane Broncos.
Stay tuned via this page on centralnews.com.au, our social media platforms, including X and Instagram: https://bit.ly/m/centralnewsuts
Blog by Chris McCarthy, Banjo Tucker and Ted Schief.
Edited by Caitlin Maloney.
Main image by Sam Lawrence.
