Tarryn Aiken masterclass guides Roosters to thrilling NRLW win over fast-finishing Sharks

A first-half masterclass from Tarryn Aiken has helped guide the Sydney Roosters to their second NRLW title, holding off the fast-finishing Sharks in the grand final.

The halfback was at her clinical best as her side flew out to a 24-0 lead, but Cronulla refused to go away in a spirited second-half display, falling short 32-28.

Five-eighth Jocelyn Kelleher caused plenty of havoc for the Sharks with a series of towering bombs and there was only so much pressure their defence could withstand.

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Dally M Medal winner Olivia Kernick continued her stellar campaign with the first try of the afternoon, fending off some lazy defenders to crash over the line.

Cronulla's back three continued to struggle to defuse the aerial assault from Kelleher, allowing the Chooks to strike through wingers Jayme Fressard and Brydie Parker, with the latter crossing for a first-half double.

With less than 60 seconds remaining before half time, Jess Sergis sliced through and fooled Emma Tonegato with a dummy to make it a 24-point ball game and leaving the Sharks with plenty of work to do.

Aiken had her fingerprints all over the Roosters attack, pulling the strings in sublime style while the side's outside backs barely put a foot wrong for 40 minutes.

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The speech from coach Tony Herman in the sheds clearly had an impact on the Cronulla playing group, with Tiana Penitani and Quincy Dodd crashing over just after the break to keep their hopes of a comeback alive.

The momentum was clearly with the Sharks heading into the final 20 minutes when five-eighth Georgia Hannaway produced a classy bit of footwork to score.

However, a rough call from referee Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski allowed the Tricolours to extend their lead back to eight points with a simple penalty goal in front of the posts.

The officials continued to play a part in the outcome late in the decider, with the Roosters failing with one of their captain's challenges and moments later, Cronulla prop Ellie Johnston barged over to put the pressure on the Roosters.

Kernick looked to have put the icing on the cake for the Roosters with four minutes to go, diving over for her second try of the afternoon, but Penitani muscled her way over with a minute left to set up a proper grandstand finish.

Cronulla's late hopes were dashed when an offload from Penitani hit the deck, allowing the Roosters to scoop it up and secure the trophy.

It was no surprise at full-time when Aiken was announced as the Karyn Murphy Medal winner for orchestrating her side's triumph.

"I'm really honoured to receive this award," she said.

"I'd like to thank our staff - you have made sure we are better people and better players. I couldn't ask for better teammates and I'm so glad we got it done.