The Sydney Roosters Women have capped off a perfect NRLW regular season, storming to the minor premiership with 11 wins from 11 games and stamping themselves as the team to beat heading into finals.
Their dominance was on full display at Gosford’s Polytec Stadium, where they dismantled Cronulla 40–10 in a fiery grand final rematch last week.
It was a special night for Central Coast’s Jocelyn Kelleher, who made history by becoming the first NRLW player to surpass 250 career points.
“It’s been a phenomenal performance from Jocelyn this year,” coach John Strange said.
“She’s one of our Coast locals and to see her break through that mark is an outstanding achievement.”
Kelleher’s record-breaking moment capped off what has been a standout season for the sharp-shooting back, further underlining the Central Coast’s influence on the Roosters’ campaign.
Her accuracy off the boot and ability to step up under pressure has been a hallmark of the side’s dominance, and her milestone was celebrated loudly by teammates and fans alike.
She wasn’t the only Coastie to shine under the Gosford lights.
Captain Isabelle Kelly once again led from the front, guiding her team with trademark composure and strength.
Alongside her, Olivia Kernick and Jamie Fressard continued to make their presence felt, with Fressard overcoming ankle concerns to play her part, while Kernick’s strong running added impact through the middle.
Tarryn Aiken, one of the NRLW’s most influential halves, dazzled once again before being helped from the field with a knee complaint.
While the club anxiously awaits scan results, Aiken’s season to date has been nothing short of outstanding.
For Central Coast fans, there was immense pride in seeing so many of their own thrive on the big stage.
The roar inside Polytec Stadium reflected not just the result but the recognition of a region that has long produced top-line rugby league talent.
Families and juniors from across the Coast turned out in force, and with every try and tackle from a local player, the stands erupted.
The result also secured the Roosters a week off as they enjoy a bye in the first week of finals.
The Broncos also advance directly, while the Knights face the Titans and the Cowboys clash with the Sharks in elimination finals.
For the Roosters, the break comes at the right time as they assess injuries to key players and sharpen their preparation.
“It’s been a well-deserved season to go through undefeated,” Strange said.
“But now it’s full steam ahead as we prepare for finals.”
Adding another layer of intrigue to this year’s finals is the possibility of what some are already calling the “Strange Dynasty”.
Roosters coach John Strange not only has his daughter Jasmin Strange starring in the NRLW side, but his son Ethan Strange is emerging as one of the brightest young talents with the Canberra Raiders.
If the Raiders go on to win the NRL men’s premiership, and the Roosters claim the women’s title, it would mark the first time in history that a father has coached one child to a premiership while another wins as a player in the opposite competition.
For now, though, the focus remains firmly on the task at hand.
The Roosters will celebrate briefly, but their eyes are already fixed on the bigger prize.
“The girls deserve this – to go through undefeated is an incredible effort, but we know the job’s not done yet,” Strange said.
“Finals footy is where it really counts.”
Skaie Hull
