Sport
8 October, 2025
Broncos win will help to inspire girls
WOMEN’S rugby league continues to surge, with the roar from tens of thousands of fans at Accor Stadium on Sunday confirming just how far the game has come.

The Brisbane Broncos’ double premiership triumph — with both men’s and women’s sides lifting the trophy — was especially sweet for the Stanley River Wolves, whose former player Reegan Hicks was part of the Broncos NRLW squad for the Grand Final win over the Sydney Roosters.
Although she didn’t take the field, the 19-year-old enjoyed her first taste of Grand Final atmosphere — a milestone moment for the former Wolves junior, who came through the club’s ranks to the under-13s.
Stanley River Wolves president, Sam Cooper, said the club always knew she had what it took.
“She’s a really good kid — always destined to play in the NRLW,” Cooper said. “We saw her talent from a young age, and she’s always been a standout, both on and off the field. She’s a dead-set role model for our girls — always polite, willing for a chat and happy to help our juniors.”
The Wolves have seen a surge in female participation, now fielding under-13, under-15 and under-17 girls’ teams, with plans to launch an open women’s side next season.
“When it first came out, I was sceptical,” Cooper admitted. “But the further we got into it, the more we saw how good it is. These girls are thriving, and the growth in the sport has been fantastic, not just for the community, but for the club. We’ve already got 30 women committed for next year.”
Cooper said the club’s culture had been transformed by the growth of the women’s game.
“The mums are a massive part of our club,” he said. “When the under-13 girls won the Grand Final this year, it was the best thing ever. The mums and dads were fantastic, and everyone wanted to be involved and promote these girls.”
Reegan’s inclusion in the Broncos’ premiership squad, he said, showed local girls what’s possible.
“We want to give our girls opportunities, and if we can do that, it’s a win for us,” Cooper said. “We’re building a pathway so girls don’t have to leave the sport when they turn 18. They can keep playing, training and being part of the club’s culture. There’s a pathway now, and we’re proud to be part of it.”
The Broncos capped a historic season by taking out both premierships — the NRLW side edging out the previously unbeaten Roosters 22–18 after a late try by Mele Hufanga, who was named Karyn Murphy Medallist.
The men’s team broke a 19-year drought with a 26–22 win over Melbourne Storm, Reece Walsh sealing the match and the Clive Churchill Medal with a dazzling all-round performance.
