+34
Corban Baxter and Millie Elliott will retire after the 2026 NRLW Grand Final between the Sydney Roosters and Brisbane Broncos, ending decorated careers.
Corban Baxter and Millie Elliott will play their final NRLW match when the Sydney Roosters face the Brisbane Broncos in the 2026 NRLW Grand Final on Sunday. The veteran stars will retire after combining for 73 matches, 20 State of Origin appearances, 12 international caps for Australia and three premierships.
Baxter said finishing her career in a grand final was the ending she had dreamed of but never knew would become a reality. She said the team had a great season and that playing in another grand final was a special moment, adding that she would love to win it.
Elliott said the reality of retirement only sank in during a season that produced an undefeated run to the decider. She said she hoped the team could get the job done on Sunday and described it as a great year from the players.
Roosters Stars Prepare for NRLW Grand Final
The Roosters enter the decider after an undefeated season, with one finals premiership potentially awaiting Baxter and Elliott. The match will be played on Sunday against the Broncos, who stand between the pair and a winning farewell.
Baxter and Elliott will share the field one last time after careers that included premierships, representative jerseys and individual awards. Their retirement decisions came at different points in the season, but both will end their playing days on the same afternoon.
Baxter said her body had begun to feel the toll of a 12-year career. She cited two pregnancies and an ACL injury as factors that slowed her down, and said she was looking forward to spending more time with her two young sons.
Elliott said she did not seriously consider retiring until about halfway through the season. She said being a mother and having commitments outside football made her want to pursue other interests while enjoying motherhood and continuing to grow her family.
Careers Built on Representative Success
Baxter described her NRLW debut as one of her most special moments. After missing the competition’s inaugural season with a shoulder injury, she made her debut in 2019 and said she never thought she would play in a women’s rugby league competition at that level during her career.
Baxter also said representing her mother’s Maori culture and her own heritage was special and something she would remember forever. She represented the Maori All Stars during her career, alongside her NRLW and representative achievements.
Elliott came to rugby league from rugby union and said her most vivid memory came in 2019 in her first match for the New South Wales Blues. Playing at North Sydney Oval, she remembered crowds lining the street to enter the ground and being amazed that so many people had come to watch women’s football.
Elliott said the Origin match was packed out and that fans came onto the field after the game. She said the memory would stay with her for a long time and highlighted how special State of Origin fixtures are for women’s rugby league.
Final Match Caps Decorated NRLW Careers
Between them, Baxter and Elliott have achieved success that few NRLW players reach. Their combined records include 73 matches, 20 Origin appearances, 12 internationals for Australia and three premierships, with a fourth title possible on Sunday.
The grand final will be broadcast on Fox League, with full and mini replays available after the match on Kayo Sports. Coverage will include expert analysis of NRLW Grand Final Day before and after the game.
Baxter said the opportunity to play in another grand final was really cool, while Elliott said the team had delivered a great season. Both players will now look beyond rugby league, with Baxter planning more time with her family and Elliott wanting to pursue interests outside football.
Their final appearance will close a chapter for the Roosters and for two players whose careers spanned the growth of the NRLW. Sunday’s match against the Broncos will decide whether they finish with another premiership or with a defeat in their last outing.
Corban Baxter Millie Elliott Sydney Roosters Brisbane Broncos NRLW Grand Final State Of Origin Australia