The Sydney Roosters have moved to the top of the NRLW ladder ahead of the finals following a 24-12 win over the North Queensland Cowboys in Gosford.

Going into the match knowing a win by more than two points would put them above the Brisbane Broncos, the Roosters — missing star five-eighth Tarryn Aiken (shoulder injury) — scored four tries to two to claim the competition points.

The Cowboys conceded an early drop-out after fumbling a high ball, and Roosters hooker Keeley Davis put Olivia Kernick over for the opening try in the fourth minute.

The two sides matched tries in the opening 20 minutes, with skipper Kirra Dibb and Jakiya Whitfeld answering with four-pointers for the Cowboys to put them ahead by the quarter-hour mark before the Roosters’ Amber Hall went over.

The Roosters did not conceded a try while Eliza Lopamaua was in the sin-bin for a hip-drop and then they took their chance, with Kernick producing a great pass to send Jasmine Strange in right on half-time. .

Leading 18-12 at the break, the Roosters scored again when prop Otesa Pule broke through several tackles to touch down for a try, making it 24-12 on the scoreboard with 20 minutes left.

The Cowboys struggled to make inroads in the face of fierce pressure, and the Roosters went on to close out the win.