GOLD COAST TITANS 8 BRISBANE BRONCOS 20
TOM SMITH, Cbus Super Stadium, Sunday

TAMIKA UPTON led the Broncos to victory over the Titans to book a Grand Final rematch with the Roosters.

The brilliant fullback scored first to set the tone as the reigning premiers shot to a 20-4 half-time lead.

But without Sienna Lofipo (broken jaw) and Lily Patston (head-injury assessment), Gold Coast couldn’t mount any meaningful comeback.

The result continues Brisbane’s quest for back-to-back NRLW titles and their fifth crown overall, and ends the Titans’ hopes of a maiden premiership.

Gold Coast hadn’t lost since their season-opening defeat to the invincible Roosters, and beat the Broncos at this venue a month ago. But in front of a massive home crowd, it wasn’t to be against their local rivals.

Upton took just five minutes to sidestep her way through for the opener.

Then Jesse Southwell sent Romy Teitzel steaming through.

Destiny Mino-Sinapati hit back for the Titans, diving into the left corner off a diving Evania Isa’ako pass.

But Brisbane effectively clinched the win in the five minutes before half-time.

First Upton put Lauren Dam through a gap from close range, before Teitzel released Deleni Paitai to send Julia Robinson into the right corner.

Down by 16 at the break, the Titans had a glimmer of hope when Isa’ako collected her own ricocheted grubber to score.

But the Broncos defended their lead to secure another decider.

TITANS: 1 Lily Patston, 2 Destiny Mino-Sinapati, 3 Jaime Chapman, 4 Georgia Grey, 5 Indie Bostock, 6 Teagan Levi, 7 Lauren Brown, 8 Laikha Clarke, 9 Georgia Hale, 10 Fanua Rimoni, 11 Evania Isa’ako, 12 Ivana Lolesio, 13 Sienna Lofipo. Subs (all used): 14 Lily Kolc, 15 Eta Sikahele, 17 Takoda Thompson, 20 Jasime Solia

Tries: Mino-Sinapati (13), Isa’ako (54); Goals: Brown 0/2

BRONCOS: 1 Tamika Upton, 2 Kerri Johnson, 3 Deleni Paitai, 4 Georgia Bartlett, 5 Julia Robinson, 6 Ali Brigginshaw, 7 Jesse Southwell, 8 Shannon Mato, 9 Jada Ferguson, 10 Brianna Clark, 11 Lauren Dam, 12 Romy Teitzel, 13 Lillian Yarrow. Subs (all used): 14 Rhemy Hinckesman, 15 Chelsea Lenarduzzi, 16 Reegan Hicks, 17 Harlem Walker

Tries: Upton (6), Teitzel (9), Dam (31), Robinson (33); Goals: Southwell 2/4

SCORING SEQUENCE: 0-6, 0-12, 4-12, 4-16, 4-20; 8-20

Rugby Leaguer & League Express Women of the Match
Titans: Georgia Hale; Broncos: Tamika Upton

Penalty count: 6-3; Half-time: 4-20; Referee: Belinda Sharpe; Attendance: 7,372