In a stark conclusion to a remarkable career, Ali Brigginshaw and her Broncos faced a crushing defeat in the NRLW grand final against the Roosters, who triumphed with a score of 30-6. At 36 years old, Brigginshaw’s farewell was overshadowed by a dominant performance from the Roosters, who avenged their previous year’s grand final loss and capped off a flawless season.
The match was effectively decided by half-time, as the Broncos struggled to find their rhythm, managing only three sets throughout the opening period while the Roosters relentlessly piled on the points. Between the 15th and 34th minutes, Brisbane could not maintain possession, only touching the ball to kick off, drop it, or be forced back into their in-goal area. They were unable to complete a single set during this stretch, with the Roosters scoring six consecutive tries.
Brigginshaw’s renowned skills, intelligence, and playmaking prowess—attributes that have defined her illustrious 17-year career—were rendered ineffective before she could showcase them. She did manage to break through for a line-break in the second half, demonstrating her still-potent talent with impeccable timing, but unfortunately lacked support to capitalize on this moment.
Ultimately, her last match was marred by an exceptionally talented Roosters team, widely regarded as the finest squad ever assembled in NRLW history. This team represents the evolution of women’s rugby league, a journey in which Brigginshaw played a pivotal role, beginning from the sport’s formative years.
When Brigginshaw made her debut for Queensland and Australia in 2009, her teammate Reegan Hicks was only three years old. The landscape of women’s rugby league was vastly different then, with club football being sporadic, pathways virtually non-existent, and the NRL seeming a distant reality. For the dedicated few who sustained the women’s game, it was a struggle to keep afloat, with interstate matches lacking the prestige of the State of Origin and played in front of minimal crowds.
Televised coverage was limited, often only featuring World Cup finals when networks deemed it convenient. Footage from that era is scarce and often difficult to locate, reflecting a time that feels almost prehistoric in comparison to today’s vibrant environment.
Brigginshaw has been instrumental in fostering the current landscape of women’s rugby league, serving as a leading figure during the sport’s transformation and the early years of the NRLW. Julia Robinson, a teammate since the inaugural Broncos season, echoed this sentiment, calling Brigginshaw a true leader and the heart of the Broncos, whose legacy will resonate for generations to come.
Robinson expressed gratitude for having played alongside Brigginshaw, recognizing her as one of the greats of the game. Brigginshaw has undoubtedly set new standards for aspiring athletes, embodying a beacon of belief for the sport. The Roosters’ perfect season is a testament to this belief, showcasing players who are larger, faster, and more skilled than ever before.
The Roosters, under coach John Strange, exemplify nearly a decade of advancement in women’s rugby league, representing the potential unlocked when a club commits to developing its women’s program. As Brigginshaw demonstrated the heights that can be achieved in the women’s game, the Roosters illustrate the pinnacle of those aspirations.
Ironically, without Brigginshaw’s influence, stars like Tarryn Aiken—who earned the Karyn Murphy Medal for her exceptional performance as the Roosters’ halfback—and Jocelyn Kelleher, her counterpart who excelled against Brisbane with her kicking skills, might not have emerged. Additionally, players like Tamika Upton and Jesse Southwell reflect the evolution of the game, showcasing the advancements in skill and athleticism that Brigginshaw witnessed throughout her career.
Today’s Origin matches draw impressive viewership and larger crowds than ever before, while the NRLW has expanded significantly, paving the way for a standalone grand final that seems not just feasible but inevitable as the sport continues to flourish. Brigginshaw’s contributions have elevated the profile of the game, making her a central figure in Brisbane’s early successes and a consistent presence for Queensland.
As she retires from the sport, Brigginshaw leaves behind a legacy as an iconic player. Should the women’s Dally M award be named after a contemporary figure, the “Ali B” would be a fitting tribute to her impact on rugby league.
