NRLW Round 3 Highlights: Titans Triumph Over Tigers, Broncos Edge Roosters

In a thrilling Round 3 of the 2025 National Rugby League Women's (NRLW) season, the Gold Coast Titans secured their first victory against the Wests Tigers, while the Brisbane Broncos narrowly defeated the Sydney Roosters in a match that showcased the competitive spirit of women's rugby league. The triple-header took place on Sunday, July 20, 2025, at various venues across Australia, including Leichhardt Oval and Brisbane's Totally Workwear Stadium.

The Titans faced the Wests Tigers in the opening match, which saw both teams eager to clinch their first win of the season. The Titans ultimately triumphed with a score of 24-12, thanks to standout performances from veterans Jessika Elliston and Lauren Brown. Elliston, who amassed 202 metres from 23 runs and recorded 14 tackles, played a pivotal role in the Titans' success. According to Titans' coach, Jamie Feeney, "Jessika's experience and leadership were crucial in guiding the team through a tough match."

Conversely, the Tigers struggled to maintain possession, conceding nine penalties compared to the Titans' four. This discrepancy in discipline proved costly, as the Titans capitalized on their opportunities, demonstrating a superior completion rate of 59 percent during the match. The Titans' captain, Georgia Grey, expressed her pride in the team's performance, stating, "We came together as a unit today, and I couldn't be happier with how we executed our game plan."

In the day's marquee matchup, the defending champions, the Brisbane Broncos, faced off against the Sydney Roosters. The Broncos, who were looking to maintain their unbeaten streak, narrowly defeated the Roosters 30-26. The match, held at Totally Workwear Stadium, was characterized by intense back-and-forth play, with the Roosters initially taking the lead. However, the Broncos, led by co-captain Tamika Upton, rallied back to secure the win. Upton not only scored two tries but also contributed significantly in defence, helping her team hold off a late surge from the Roosters.

Broncos’ coach, Kelvin Wright, praised his team's resilience, commenting, "We showed great character today. The Roosters pushed us to the limit, but we held on and found a way to win."

The NRLW continues to gain traction, with increasing viewership and attendance at games, reflecting the growing popularity of women's rugby league in Australia. This season has already been marked by competitive matches and standout performances, promising an exciting continuation of the league. As the teams prepare for the upcoming rounds, fans are eager to see how the Titans will build on their first victory and whether the Broncos can maintain their momentum as the season progresses.

In summary, Round 3 of the NRLW 2025 season highlighted the fierce competition and skill present in women's rugby league. With the Titans claiming their first victory and the Broncos remaining undefeated, fans can look forward to thrilling matches as the season unfolds. The league’s impact on promoting women's sports cannot be overstated, as it continues to inspire future generations of female athletes across the country.