The NRLW minor premiership race has been thrown wide open after the Broncos jumped above the Sharks into top spot thanks to a Chelsea Lenarduzzi try with 15 seconds to go that stole a stunning 20-16 win on the Gold Coast.
It looked like Cronulla would open a four-point gap at the top when they jumped out to a 16-10 lead early in the second half, but you can never write off the Broncos who closed the gap through Julia Robinson and then hit the lead with the final play of the game when Lenarduzzi charged through to score.
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The result sees Brisbane join Cronulla on 12 points but with a better for and against, with the Roosters looking to join them when they face the Cowboys on Sunday.
It would set up an epic final round which starts with the Sharks hosting the bottom-placed Wests Tigers on Thursday, with the Roosters to finish off the regular season against Parramatta on Sunday.
But it’s the Broncos who will be full of confidence when they face the Dragons after they stormed home to win, with their only concern a potential lower-leg fracture to Stacey Waaka who opened the scoring after just four minutes.
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SHARKS SINKING
It looked for all money that the Sharks had wrapped up a top-two finish after their two wingers raced in back-to-back tries to open the second half, but they have now lost two on the trot and are wondering what’s gone wrong after their incredible start.
Saturday’s loss in Queensland almost capped a stunning turnaround by the Sharks after they had their winning streak snapped by the Roosters a week ago with a shock 40-0 result that had people questioning their credentials.
They played with a lot more purpose with Ellie Johnston scoring one and almost sealing the result in the final few minutes, only for the Bunker to rule she grounded the ball after the referee had blown his whistle.
They’ll rue an error by Filomina Hanisi who dropped the ball over the line in the first half, with the Sharks needing to regroup quickly with a confidence boosting win heading into the finals.
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