One of the biggest weekends of the NRLW calendar came amid concerns about competition imbalance with the heavy concentration of leading players in two teams.
The Broncos and Sydney Roosters are loaded with representative star power, both are unbeaten (5-0) and look primed to face each other in the grand final again unless there's a major upset.
Brisbane's 15th straight win and the Roosters' 38-8 victory over St George Illawarra on Saturday at Wagga Wagga's Geohex Park only underlined calls from players, coaches and pundits for change.
However earlier in the week, Rugby League Players Association boss Clint Newton rejected the suggestion of a tiered salary cap, telling News Corp that it would "reward mediocrity" and require a boost in the salary cap and was not on the cards for the next collective bargaining agreement in 2028.
Broncos second-rower Romy Teitzel also said on Friday that teams should be rewarded for investing in their academies, like Brisbane, who have multiple players from their pathway programs.
On Sunday, the Broncos were a level above the Bulldogs, turning rigid defence into lethal attack in the six tries-to-one mauling.
"I'm really proud of the girls' effort. They scrambled hard for each other. They asked plenty of questions, but you've got to give credit to a really good team as well," Bulldogs coach Brayden Wiliame said.
"They have been at the top with the Roosters ... since it started for a reason."
Meanwhile, Gold Coast strengthened their grip on a third finals berth in four years by withstanding a resurgent Warriors 18-16.
The Titans started hot as second-rower Ivana Lolesio pounced on a pinpoint Teagan Levi grubber before backrower Evania Isa'ako and winger Indie Bostock crossed to balloon their advantage to 18-0.
But centre Mele Hufanga's try on her return from a hamstring injury sparked the Warriors into life as interchange Ivana Lauitiiti and soaring winger Stacey Waaka scored to close the deficit to two points with five minutes remaining.
Patricia Maliepo's crucial conversion veered just wide and the Titans escaped with the win.
Parramatta were hoping to end their winless start to the season, but were undone 32-12 by Newcastle.
After North Queensland secured their first 2026 victory against Canberra on Saturday, the Eels were desperate not to be the only team without a win.
The Knights made the most of their first half though, as winger Mercedez Taulelei-Siala capitalised on some slick passing before hooker Olivia Higgins burrowed over for a 12-0 lead at the break.
Parramatta prop Elsie Albert stormed across the line to reduce the deficit, but four unanswered tries in 12 minutes helped Newcastle put the result beyond doubt.
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