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In a heartfelt moment following the Roosters' 2026 NRLW championship win, captain Isabelle Kelly reflected on the careers and legacies of retiring teammates Corban Baxter and Millie Elliott, whose decision to hang up their boots after a decade of service has left the club and fans in mourning. The article covers the emotional aftermath, the players' impact on the club and the broader rugby league community, and how their departures will shape the future of the Sydney Roosters.
The Sydney Roosters' victory in the 2026 NRLW Premiership was celebrated with a emotional, bittersweet atmosphere as the team captured a decisive 24‑point win over the Brisbane Broncos.
Roosters Champions Reflect on Retirements
In the dressing rooms and on the field, the tributes were directed not only at the triumph but also at the end of two remarkable careers that had spanned nearly a decade. Corban Baxter and Millie Elliott, both long‑standing stalwarts of the club, announced their retirement at the conclusion of the season, choosing to focus on their families after years of intense dedication on the pitch.
When the final whistle blew, captain Isabelle Kelly stood beside the retiring duo during the press conference and confessed that the emotion brought her to tears.
"It makes me very emotional, to be honest," Kelly said. The captain, an eight‑time NSW Blues representative and eight‑cap international for Australia, revealed that she had been bracing herself over the past week to keep her emotions in check during the announcement. The acknowledgment that she could not separate the joy of the Roosters' victory from the sadness of seeing Bain and Elliott leave underscored the deep respect and admiration Kelly held for her teammates.
Baxter and Elliott End Remarkable Careers
Baxter, a foundational Rooster and a former NSW Blues icon, had been a mentor for many on the club, including Kelly herself. Baxter recounted their early days together, how she had welcomed the captain into rugby league and became a lifelong friend. Orring the cause of a single community, the two former friends surprised to build a strong bond that went well beyond the game, leaving the Roosters with a legacy that goes into the fabric of the club.
Elliott, meanwhile, sides with forward as a dual‑code international, is widely regarded as one of the finest players in the history of the sport. With five premierships under her belt - two with the Broncos, two with the Roosters and one with the Newcastle Knights - Elliott has left a lasting mark in the NRLW and the Australian Jillaroos.
The retirement of both players marks a shift for the Roosters' future - a step into a new era following years of dominance. Kelly noted the difficulty in imagining the club's next season without the presence of both the seasoned Baxter and the veteran Elliott.
A New Era for the Roosters
"It's going to be tough (and) it's going to be so weird rocking up next year and these two aren't here," she admitted. Yet she praised the pair for demonstrating the possibility of contributing to the sport while raising families, citing their ability to come back, place athletes she may add in a deeper phase of training after a few years of rest, and thrive in the top tier.
The tremendous influence, the 'freedom to choose their destiny' is nearly free of the contemporary environment, which she continues to cherish. As the club moves forward, the squad has left a tangible legacy in the form of grit, skill, dedication, and philanthropy. Baxter and Elliott's leadership, both on and off the field, has served as a blueprint for the next generation of Roosters.
The coaching staff has vowed to keep the momentum alive and to uphold the standards that both players set. In the wake of the celebration and emotional departure, the Roosters have made it clear that Baxter and Elliott have earned a permanent place in the club's history with an eternal spot in the club's Hall of Fame.
The record of a continuous capital synergy offers a testimony to the commitment prevailing with a feature that will reverberate throughout a new season of competition as the club seeks to maintain leadership in one next to the league, while periodic training courses and group discussions will keep it fresh.
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