The Broncos have capped off an emotional week with a sensational victory against the Tigers to keep themselves in contention for an NRLW finals berth.
During the week, players were rocked by the news Toni Hunt’s cancer had returned, while Lavinia Gould remains on indefinite leave due to her daughter being in a serious condition in hospital after complications from heart surgery.
The Broncos wore special jerseys with both players initials embroidered inside a heart above the club logo.
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“They are the girls that are the Broncos (and) what we stand for in this jersey,” winger Julia Robinson said after the side’s 22-18 win.
“They’re so strong.”
After the Tigers scored in the 53rd minute to take a 10-point lead, the Broncos afternoon looked to be in serious trouble when Annetta-Claudia Nu’uausala was sent to the sin bin for a hip-drop on Jada Ferguson.
But despite being down to 12 players, the Broncos rallied. Brianna Clark scored in the 48th minute, and the lead was down to four when Ali Brigginshaw made the conversion.
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A Pauline Piliae-Rasabale penalty goal on the hour mark stretched the Tigers’ lead back to six points, before a converted Destiny Brill try levelled the scores with under seven minutes to play.
Shenae Ciesiolka scored the match-winner in the 67th minute.
Hunt was first diagnosed with cholangiocarcinoma – cancer of the bile ducts – in 2022. She was diagnosed just days after seeking treatment for rib pain that turned out to be stage-four cancer.
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She was treated and made a triumphant return this season, but required immediate treatment after confirmation the cancer had returned this week.
Gould is on indefinite leave after daughter Kaia suffered complications from heart surgery last month. She hasn’t played since the Broncos 40-8 round six thumping of the Raiders.
An emotional Robinson said the victory was special given the circumstances.
“This is Toni’s second time going through this. She is one of the strongest females you’ll ever meet,” she said.
“I don’t know how she does it. She comes to every training session. Same with (Gould). Her daughter, she is another one of those females that are so strong and … I don’t know how she keeps turning up to training when she has a little girl in hospital.
“They are one of the two most powerful, inspiring females that I’ve ever met.”
The Broncos are locked in a battle with the Titans and Raiders for a spot in the top eight, and will end their regular season against the Dragons next week.
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Hasibur Rahaman is a passionate sports journalist. He covers everything from cricket to field hockey, delivering up-to-the-minute updates and in-depth analysis of sporting events, both within India and on the international stage.
