Roosters half nails 'best kick of my entire life' as Roosters avoid major upset to seal grand final spot
In the first second of the grand final qualifier between the Roosters and Sharks, Jocelyn Kelleher likely had regret in her mind after booting the kick-off out.
Then, when it mattered the most, the Roosters' half was the most important player on the field, nailing a field goal with just over three minutes left to win the game 17-16.
It wasn't the only redemption arc after Brydie Parker was sin binned with 13 minutes on the clock and then popped up at the end to stop the Sharks' final attacking raid.
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"What an incredible game of rugby league that was ... we got a glimpse of (Roosters coach) John Strange shaking his head from pure relief and there's heartbreak for Cronulla," Allana Ferguson said on Nine.
Jocelyn Kelleher kicks a field goal. Getty
Caller Brenton Speed also described it as an "epic".
The match started with Roosters winger Jayme Fressard scoring first. But the Sharks hit the lead at 6-4 when Brooke Anderson crossed.
Right on half-time, inspirational forward Olivia Kernick flipped the script by scoring under the posts and delivering a 10-6 lead to the Roosters.
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Macie Carlile's try after the break made it look like the Roosters would run away with it, but Cronulla weren't done.
In the 57th minute, Sharks fullback Jada Taylor broke the defence and looked like she'd score, but Isabelle Kelly brought her down before the tryline.
Parker then held down Taylor in the tackle and was sin binned.
The Sharks went bang, with Emma Verran scoring immediately after the sin bin. Chantay Kiria-Ratu ran through the defence minutes later and made it 16-16.
Chantay Kiria-Ratu celebrates her try. NRL Photos
An even scoreline prompted a tense-looking Strange to come down to the sideline, with a notable change in the Roosters' composure following.
Kelleher then slotted the field goal with minutes left, but it wasn't game over.
A knock-on in a kick contest from Jess Sergis gave the Sharks an attacking scrum, and once again, Taylor was looking dangerous.
As the defence swarmed, she tried a kick, but Parker kept the ball safe and ensured her side stayed undefeated for the season and booked a spot in the grand final.
Post-match, Kelleher described the field goal as the "best kick of my entire life".
