- Tamika Upton has signed for Broncos
- Won two grand finals at Knights
- Also 2023 Dally M Medal winner
Superstar fullback Tamika Upton has signed a three-year contract to return to Brisbane in a huge coup for the perennial NRLW heavyweights.
Upton’s deal, yet to be formally announced by the Broncos, comes after Newcastle released her from the final three years of her contract to be closer to family in Rockhampton.
Daily Mail Australia understands Upton received interest from Brisbane’s intrastate rivals Gold Coast, but the Broncos secured her signature.
Upton, arguably the NRLW’s best attacking player, has long-standing links at Brisbane having made her debut during their 2019 premiership season.
The signing is a major boost for the Broncos, who were minor premiers in 2024 before suffering a surprise loss to eventual runners-up Cronulla in the semi-finals.
Veteran playmaker Ali Brigginshaw, State of Origin winger Julia Robinson, powerful centre Mele Hufanga and Olympic gold medallist Gayle Broughton are among other key players contracted at Brisbane for 2025.
Four-time premiership-winning fullback Upton was essential in lifting the Knights from wooden spooners to back-to-back premiers in 2022 and 2023 on her arrival from the Broncos three seasons ago.
She won the Karyn Murphy Medal as best on ground in both of those grand final wins, and was also the 2023 Dally M Medallist.
Superstar fullback Tamika Upton has signed a three-year contract to return to Brisbane in a huge coup for the perennial NRLW heavyweights
Daily Mail Australia understands Upton received interest from Brisbane’s intrastate rivals Gold Coast – but she inked a deal with the Broncos (pictured, after winning the 2023 Dally M Medal)
More recently, she helped the Jillaroos win the Pacific Cup final against New Zealand after the Kiwi Ferns pulled off an upset in the corresponding fixture last year.
Upton’s exit leaves Newcastle needing to find a new No.1 for Ben Jeffries’ second season at the helm.
Wests Tigers co-captain Botille Vette-Welsh is without a deal beyond 2024, while Knights centre Shanice Parker has filled in at fullback previously.
The 2025 NRLW season will kick-off in July next year, with the competition expanded to 12 teams.
The Bulldogs are a new franchise and the Warriors return following a four-season hiatus.
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Read more at DailyMail.co.uk