LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy

The Wrap: Tracking the path to NRLW premiership glory

The NRL Telstra Women's Premiership is nearing its exciting conclusion, with teams ready to enter the finals. This season marks a historic milestone, featuring a top six format for the first time.

The finals kick off this week with two elimination matches scheduled for Saturday. The Sydney Roosters, who went undefeated during the regular season, have secured the title of minor premiers. They, along with the Brisbane Broncos, will enjoy a bye in the opening week to prepare for challengers in Week 2.

Notably, all three Queensland teams are participating in the finals this year. This follows a nail-biting regular-season game where field goal expert Lauren Brown led her side to a 17-16 victory over the Raiders, enabling the Titans to surpass the Eels and clinch the sixth spot on the ladder.

Despite facing injury challenges throughout the season, Karyn Murphy's team is eager to reach the grand final once again. They narrowly missed out on glory in the 2023 decider against Newcastle, falling just seven minutes short.

The finals series will open with a rematch of that grand final, as perennial contenders the Knights take on the Gold Coast in their elimination match on Saturday afternoon. This rivalry has a history of producing thrilling encounters, with their last face-off in Round 10 witnessing a dramatic last-minute win for the Novocastrians, thanks to a spectacular play by Jesse Southwell in the 69th minute.