‘I let everyone down’: NRLW Roosters star on GF fuel

Joanna Guelas | October 4, 2026

Sydney Roosters star Jocelyn Kelleher wants redemption on the NRLW grand final stage, feeling she “let everyone down” in last year’s decider against Brisbane.

The five-eighth has revealed a lingering regret over the fallout from the 2025 grand final, where the Roosters let an opportunity to snare a third title slip in the dying stages.

Premiership glory had appeared inevitable for last year’s minor premiers after the Roosters put on three unanswered tries in the second half, coming from 12-0 down at the break to lead 18-12 with nine minutes left.

But rampaging Broncos centre Mele Hufanga scored five minutes from fulltime at Accor Stadium to wrap up a 22-18 victory and ruin the Roosters’ hopes of completing the perfect undefeated season.

Kelleher has shouldered the responsibility for the late capitulation, playing at halfback after Tarryn Aiken ruptured her ACL on the eve of finals.

A year on and with Aiken back in the halves, two-time premiership player Kelleher has an opportunity to bury past pain and add to her trophy collection on Sunday.

“There’s a lot of hurt and pain from last year,” Kelleher told AAP.

“Me in particular, I feel like I let the team down. I was the halfback, so I was pretty upset.

“I pretty much just feel like I let the team, I let the club, I let everyone down with what happened on the field.

“I definitely feel it. Hopefully, we can get it back this year.”

Sunday’s match is the fourth time in nine seasons the league’s two powerhouses will meet in a grand final, with four-time premiers the Broncos having the measure of the Tri-colours in finals.

The Roosters, undefeated minor premiers this year, did find some consolation this season after claiming a 34-20 win in round seven.

Kelleher and Aiken are set for a blockbuster match-up against Broncos duo Jesse Southwell and retiring legend Ali Brigginshaw.

Brigginshaw has shown no signs of slowing down ahead of her final NRLW match, dominating Titans counterpart and rugby sevens superstar Teagan Levi in Brisbane’s preliminary final win over Gold Coast.

But Kelleher has no fears about the formidable Broncos pair, saying she walks taller alongside Aiken.

“She’s an inspiration to me,” Kelleher said.

“Just knowing that we get to work together rather than just trying to do it myself last year, definitely gives me a bit more confidence in myself as well.

“Ali and Jesse have played really well this year, credit to them, they’re steering the Broncos around really well, but we’ve got Tarryn and we didn’t have her last year. 

“I can’t wait to see what she pulls out on the weekend.”