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Two-time defending premiers Brisbane have warmed up for next week's NRLW decider with a 24-16 win over the Sydney Roosters on Saturday.
Brisbane might be on the verge of a historic NRLW three-peat, but Sydney Roosters coach Jamie Feeney insists his team won't be intimidated when they face off in next week's decider.
The Broncos remain on track to claim their third straight premiership after toppling the Roosters 24-16 in their enthralling preview of the grand final.
The Roosters had pulled within two points early in the second half on Saturday before Broncos star Ali Brigginshaw scored one try and set up another to push her team clear at ANZ Stadium.
Roosters five-eighth Corban McGregor gave her side some hope with a 90-metre intercept try with eight minutes remaining, however Brisbane held on to claim their third straight minor premiership.
Both teams will meet again, with the addition of some rested players, Sunday week, and Feeney is adamant their counterparts will enter as red-hot favourites.
"They've won all the competitions there," Feeney said.
"There was a story this week that they were underdogs. I don't know how they worked that one out. But (Broncos coach Kelvin Wright) done well to spin that into their heads.
"They're not underdogs, no one believes that. They're favourites for a reason. They've won two premierships, only lost one game out of however many they've played.
"I don't think any of the girls are intimidated by it, but I just think they know they have to turn up if they're going to beat the Broncos. And today I don't think we turned up."
Brisbane looked headed for a comfortable victory when they shot out to an early 12-0 lead inside the opening 15 minutes through tries to Tarryn Aitken and Meg Ward.
Roosters bench weapon Quincy Dodd pegged one back before halftime, and then halfback Melanie Howard dummied her way over to reduce the gap to two soon after resumption.
However the Broncos' response was swift - and it was all Brigginshaw.
First she assisted on a Tamika Upton try in the 36th minute, before the Jillaroos skipper did it herself four minutes later by barging her way over for an individual effort.
The Roosters, without injured rugby sevens convert Charlotte Caslick, were cruelly denied a contender for try of the season when the final pass for Brydie Parker was ruled forward.
It was the end of a nine-pass movement that started on the halfway line.
Roosters coach Jamie Feeney will welcome back key duo Simaima Taufa and Hannah Southwell next week, while the Broncos will get back the suspended Amber Hall, and possibly Lavinia Gould and Jayme Fressard.
"I thought we played a little bit within ourselves at times," Wright said.
"Hopefully we've got a bit more attack in us for sure. We did focus a lot on our completion rates this week. The style won't change too much. The Roosters were the best defensive unit we came up against as well, so that restricts things as well."
