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.
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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)
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