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The NRLW final between St George Illawarra and Sydney Roosters will stay in Queensland despite the shock of Brisbane missing their first decider.

The NRL will keep next Sunday's women's final in Queensland after St George Illawarra and the Sydney Roosters set up the most unlikely all-NSW decider.

After the Dragons accounted for Gold Coast 24-18 in Sunday's first semi-final at Leichhardt Oval, the Roosters shocked Brisbane 22-16 two hours later to also qualify.

The league would have been expecting at least the Broncos to draw in a big crowd for the first stand-alone women's final, after winning all three previous editions.

But AAP understands there is no chance of the event being moved, with Queensland to host the women's decider for the first time.

Not that either team will be fussed.

Roosters coach John Strange revealed a bug had run through his team before Sunday's upset win, with Isabelle Kelly up sick at 4am and unable to eat all morning.

Fellow centre Jess Sergis has also battled an ankle injury, while prop Mya Hill-Moana also battled illness as they fought back from 16-0 down in the semi-final.

"I don't know if that was planned up there thinking there would be Queensland sides in it," Strange said.

"But we are going there for one job. Enjoy the victory against the Broncos, but wake up tomorrow and know the job isn't done.

"We are going up there to do what we believe we're destined for, we spoke about it early in the piece that we are here to win the competition."

The Dragons are a far cry from the team who went winless in the last tournament in 2020.

Instead, they will likely enter favourites after being the most consistent team of 2022.

Even with halfback Rachael Pearson battling a back injury they dominated the game against the Titans, but for a late four-minute comeback that narrowed the scores.

They also beat the Roosters 16-10 last week without their No.7, and look a far cry from the team that went winless in 2020.

"From week two of pre-season I expected to make the finals," coach Jamie Soward said.

"I was really excited about our forward pack, I think we have the best forward pack in the comp.

"Then you throw in some hidden gems, (centre) Page McGregor, Rach (Pearson) with the season she has had and then Emma Tonegato (at fullback).

"But (I realised we could make) the grand final that week down in Wollongong against Parramatta (in round two).

"The way we defended I started to probably get the hype going a little bit more."