Upton crowned NRLW Dally M medallist | NRLW Team of the Year
September 27, 2023
Superstar Knights fullback Tamika Upton has been named the best player in the NRL Women’s Premiership after leading Newcastle to a club-first minor premiership and a second consecutive grand final appearance.
Upton, 26, has shone for the Knights since joining the club in 2022. She played 10 matches and scored five tries this year, including one in a huge 30-24 victory over the Brisbane Broncos in the preliminary finals.
Click Here To Get Our FREE NRL Tips Every Week!
Throughout the team’s march to a title defence Upton clocked up eight try assists, 56 tackle breaks, and 11 line breaks. She also averaged just over 220 metres a game.
The Queensland fullback has been the game’s clear number one for some years now. She originally won her first NRLW title with the Broncos in 2020 as the Brisbane squad rounded out its third consecutive premiership. She played fullback in the deciding match and scored a try as her team claimed victory, 20-10.
“This is definitely not an individual award. I’ll start with the Newcastle club. I think from the moment I stepped foot there I was supported,” the fullback said after winning. She also thanked the Southwell family for being her “home away from home.”
Upton beat Tarry Aiken by a single point, 27 to 26. Simaima Taufa and Ali Brigginshaw finished on 22 points each, while young Dragons fullback Teagan Berry rounded out the top five with 20.
Upton was also named fullback of the year in the NRLW’s best lineup.
NRLW Team of the Year
- Fullback — Tamika Upton (Knights)
- Wingers — Jakiya Whitfield (Tigers), Julia Robinson (Broncos)
- Centres — Isabelle Kelly (Roosters), Mele Hufanga (Broncos)
- Five-Eighth — Tarryn Aiken (Roosters)
- Halfback — Ali Brigginshaw (Broncos)
- Props — Shannon Mato (Titans), Sarah Togatuki (Wests Tigers)
- Hooker — Destiny Brill (Broncos)
- Second Rowers — Yasmin Clydsdale (Knights), Olivia Kernick (Roosters)
- Lock — Simaima Taufa (Raiders)
- Captain — Simaima Taufa (Raiders)
Click Here To Get Our FREE NRL Tips Every Week!
February 4, 2026
'Huge honour': Tino chooses loyalty to stay with Hannay's Titans long-term
Tino Fa'asuamaleaui has decided to stay with the Gold Coast Titans, with the club captain today declaring that he wants to "build a winning culture" alongside new coach Josh Hannay and lead the Read MoreFebruary 4, 2026
Dragons happy to keep 'refreshed' Cook soldiering on with one-year extension
The St George Illawarra Dragons have opened contract negotiations with their veteran hooker, Damien Cook, with the club tabling a one-year extension that would likely take the 34-year-old through to Read MoreJanuary 29, 2026
Legal war looms as Lomax, Eels take NRL contract stoush to the courts
Contract rebel Zac Lomax and his last signed club, the Parramatta Eels, are taking their standoff to the courts, with player and club now due to start legal action at the Supreme Court from February Read More
Tell Us What You Think Below