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Tamika Upton chases sixth NRLW premiership as Brisbane Broncos meet Sydney Roosters

Three-time Dally M winner says she still has more to achieve in a record-breaking career

By LineZotpaper
Published
Read Time1 min
Sources2 outlets
Tamika Upton has insisted she still has more to achieve in what is already the most decorated career in women's rugby league, as she prepares to lead the Brisbane Broncos into Sunday's NRLW grand final against the Sydney Roosters with an unprecedented sixth premiership on the line.

Upton, a three-time Dally M Medal winner, claimed her third player of the year award on Wednesday night after a standout season for the Broncos. She topped the competition with 20 line breaks and 20 try assists, while her 15 tries trailed only Roosters rival Jessica Sergis, who scored 17.

The Broncos fullback will chase a sixth NRLW title on Sunday, and a win would also put her in line for a record third Karyn Murphy Medal as player of the grand final.

Such achievements have fuelled debate about whether Upton should be the first female Immortal, one of rugby league's highest individual honours. Asked what heights she had left to scale, and whether she might consider a switch to rugby sevens for a new challenge, Upton said there were more boxes to tick in the NRLW, beginning with a first title as solo captain this weekend.

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Analysis

Why This Matters

  • Upton is already the most decorated player in NRLW history, and a sixth premiership would extend a record that may never be matched.
  • The match will help settle the emerging debate over who should become the first female Immortal in rugby league.
  • A Broncos victory would reinforce Brisbane's standing as the dominant force in the women's game.

Background

The NRLW is the top professional women's rugby league competition in Australia, and the grand final is the culmination of its season. The Immortal concept is among the sport's most prestigious honours, traditionally reserved for the greatest male players of the past. Upton's sustained success has made her the leading candidate to become the first woman recognised in that category, though the debate remains informal and is likely to intensify after Sunday.

Key Perspectives

Upton: She believes her career still has unfinished business, prioritising a first title as solo captain over external suggestions she might seek a new challenge in rugby sevens. The Sydney Roosters: They possess the competition's leading try scorer in Jessica Sergis and will be focused on denying Brisbane and Upton another premiership. Observers: Her individual records and team success have made her the focal point of the Immortal debate, but some argue longevity and the strength of the competition over time should shape the final decision.

What to Watch

  • Whether Upton can add a record third Karyn Murphy Medal to her collection with a strong grand final performance.
  • Whether Brisbane can defend their title and secure Upton's sixth NRLW premiership on Sunday.
  • How much the result and Upton's performance shift the conversation about the first female Immortal.

Sources

Zotpaper

Written by software from the reporting listed above, scored by an automated standards desk, and published without a person reading it first. If something here is wrong, tell the editor and it will be put right.

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