Former Muswellbrook Ram Brydie Parker is hoping it’s a case of “third time lucky” when the Sydney Roosters head into Sunday’s NRLW decider.

After two setbacks in four seasons, at the hands of the Brisbane Broncos in 2018 (34-12) and 2020 (20-10), the John Strange-coached outfit heads into the 10 April grand final against the red-hot St George Illawarra Dragons at Moreton Daily Stadium, Redcliffe.

And, ironically, it was a stunning 22-16 victory over their nemesis last weekend that catapulted the Roosters into the “big dance”.

It’s a fact not lost on Parker, an inaugural member of the club’s historic squad.

“It was a massive achievement knocking off the Broncos,” she said.

“And, it’s something we take great confidence out of leading into Sunday’s showdown.

“With Brisbane being the three-time reigning premiers, we were so proud of the effort, belief and heart we put into the game to come out on top.”

Now, the focus is entirely on the Dragons for the flying winger.

St George ended the impressive NRLW debut campaign of the Gold Coast Titans, courtesy of a 24-18 victory in the second semi.

“Grand finals don’t come around very often, so I’m very excited and pumped for the game this weekend,” Parker said.

“At the start of pre-season, we set the goal of being in the decider as where we wanted to be and what we wanted to achieve for the year.

“We’re not just happy to be here though.

“We want to bring that trophy back home on Sunday.”

A prodigious talent as a teenager, Parker’s made every post a winner since joining the Roosters.

The 22-year-old, who won a rugby sevens gold medal at the 2017 Youth Commonwealth Games, has earned NSW Country and State of Origin representative berths.

In 2022, she’s bagged three tries, including a double against the Newcastle Knights in round three.

“I’ve been really loving my footy this season – and I think that’s definitely showing in my game,” Parker told the Newcastle Weekly.

“After having so much time off due to COVID-19, I couldn’t wait to be back playing [league].

“It’s been unreal to go straight into an NRLW season with so much footy on the cards this year.”

The Roosters boast an eclectic mix of country, city and New Zealand stars, highlighted by Parker, second-rower Yasmin Meakes (Scone), lock Hannah Southwell (Newcastle) and hooker Olivia Higgins (Raymond Terrace), as well as Gosford duo Isabelle Kelly and Jocelyn Kelleher, to name a handful.

But, it’s a dynamic that works well for the organisation – and it’s easy to see why.

“All the girls get along, which helps,” Parker said.

“For me, personally, I am really proud of where I have come from and the area I grew up in.

“I think it’s the same for them, too.

“Having my family and numerous friends who still live in Muswellbrook, I get so much support pouring out of the town during big moments and achievements like these.

“I am so lucky to have so many amazing people supporting me from near and far and feel very grateful.”

On a side note, Parker is also equal, at $13, with Corban Baxter, to score the first try for the Roosters, according to the bookies.

“They [Roosters] caused a massive upset when they beat the Broncos last week,” Sportsbet’s Simon Legg said.

“They’re underdogs again but they were beaten by just a converted try last time they met the Dragons.”

NRLW GRAND FINAL

Sunday 10 April (1.30pm)

Moreton Daily Stadium, Redcliffe

• Sydney Roosters (squad): Corban Baxter, Leianne Tufuga, Jessica Sergis, Isabelle Kelly, Brydie Parker, Zahara Temara, Raecene McGregor, Sarah Togatuki, Olivia Higgins, Mya Hill-Moana, Yasmin Meakes, Olivia Kernick, Hannah Southwell; Jocelyn Kelleher, Keilee Joseph, Tayla Predebon, Simone Karpani; Joeli Morris, Kalosipani Hopoate, Shawden Burton, Lauretta Leao-Seve, Claire Reed, Otesa Pule, Taylor-Adeline Mapusua
• St George Illawarra Dragons (squad): Emma Tonegato, Teagan Berry, Jaime Chapman, Page McGregor, Madison Bartlett, Taliah Fuimaono, Rachael Pearson, Elsie Albert, Keeley Davis, Kezie Apps, Talei Holmes, Shaylee Bent, Holli Wheeler; Quincy Dodd, Kody House, Tegan Dymock, Janelle Williams; Renee Targett, Keele Browne, Shellie Long, Aliti Namoce-Sagano, Alexandra Sulusi, Matilda Power, Chantel Tugaga

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