Cross-code star almost salvages Broncos comeback, as battle for signatures loom

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Broncos rugby union convert Kerri Johnson has vowed to make her NRLW crossover a long-term project, despite once harbouring a desire to represent New Zealand at the Women’s Rugby World Cup in 2029.

The Brisbane flyer, making just her third rugby league appearance, scored in the corner for her third try of the season to keep her side in the hunt with two minutes remaining, before ultimately suffering a 30-26 defeat to the Sydney Roosters on Sunday.

The 22-year-old, who jumped to the 13-woman code after plying her trade for the Auckland Blues and Melbourne Rebels, came up with her third line-break of the afternoon in the lead up to her try, with five-eighth Gayle Broughton then drawing a sin binning from Roosters star Jessica Sergis.

Kerri Johnson celebrates scoring one of her two tries on her NRLW debut.

Johnson, who finished with 159 running metres and five tackle busts, is joined at the Broncos by former union and rugby sevens stars Shalom Sauaso, who missed the clash with a sternum injury, Skyla Adams, Broughton and Azalleyah Maaka.

But while she admitted she felt some allure to the possibility of representing the Black Ferns at the World Cup, and even featuring at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games, Johnson now envisioned an extensive tenure in the NRLW.

“I was just watching it [the NRLW], and it looked a bit more like the way I like to play, a bit more running it up and a bit more space too than in union,” Johnson told this masthead.

“NRLW is definitely something I want a long-term shot at, but I’m always open to anything really. I’d been in sevens for a couple of years, just with the New Zealand development team going overseas, and [the Olympics] was definitely something on my radar.

“Coming off the back four and running straight into the middles on the opposite team is definitely different for me. I think I’m adjusting to it pretty quickly, it’s a similar sport to union – just [slightly] different roles – so I’m definitely adjusting pretty quick.”

Given the looming showcases in the three rugby codes – including next year’s Women’s Rugby League World Cup – a battleground for signatures could be forged.

Sauaso featured for the Queensland Reds this year and could do so again in 2026, while she was also ushered into the Wallaroos extended squad last year despite being just 17 at the time.

Rugby sevens stars, the Levi sisters Maddison and Teagan, have also been regularly courted by the NRLW, however have committed to the Wallaroos for their 2025 World Cup ambitions.

Shalom Sauaso is being chased by multiple codes.

Earlier in the year, Reds Super Rugby W coach Andrew Fraser spoke of his hope to keep Sauaso engaged with rugby union for the long haul, but admitted the competition’s current four-round format would need to grow.

“What a phenomenal footballer, and she’s demonstrated throughout the whole program what she’s capable of. She’s a bundle of energy on and off the field, and she’s shown physically she can match it with any level,” Fraser said.

“She’s a special talent, and hopefully, we can keep her for the years to come. Shalom has some decisions to make about her future, but at the end of the day from a rugby’s perspective we’d love to have her here more often and longer-term into our program.”

Until then, Johnson and co have the present in mind, and there appears to be every chance the Broncos and Roosters will meet again come the NRLW’s finals series.

Sydney blew out to a 24-10 halftime lead, scoring the first three tries through Jasmin Strange, Taina Naividi and Otesa Pule, before Brisbane fullback Tamika Upton’s double kept the hosts in the frame.

Tries to Annetta-Claudia Nu’uausala and Lauren Dam got the Broncos within two points, before rival lock Olivia Kernick crossed for her second on the back of a spilled bomb by Upton.

But Upton’s two tries, try-assist, three line-breaks and 125 running metres kept the comeback alive on supporting the work done through the middle of Bree Spreadborough (117 metres), Chelsea Lenarduzzi (102 metres) and Jada Ferguson (107 metres, two line-break assists, and a try assists).

“Meeks was doing Meeks things. We put her in that position to do her thing, and ultimately, it’s going off the back of our go-forward and creating those opportunities for our backs – particularly Meeks – to do their thing,” Broncos coach Scott Prince said.

“As we move forward, our combinations will work and just build on what we did today. There were a lot of positives inside that last 35 [minutes].”