Tamika Upton secures three-year deal with Broncos in NRLW

In a significant move for the NRLW, superstar fullback Tamika Upton has finalized a three-year contract to return to Brisbane. This decision came after she was released from her previous contract with the Newcastle Knights to move closer to her family in Rockhampton, Australia. Upton's history with the Broncos is notable, as she made her debut during their 2019 premiership season and has since developed a reputation as one of the league's top attacking players. The Broncos, having been minor premiers in the 2024 season before a semi-final loss, will view Upton's signing as a vital asset for their squad going into the 2025 season, which is set to kick off in July next year. Upton's move back to the Broncos is considered a major coup for the team, particularly given the threat posed by their intrastate rivals, the Gold Coast Titans, who also expressed interest in her services. Moreover, Upton's previous tenure with the Knights was markedly successful; she played a crucial role in transforming the team from wooden spooners to back-to-back premiers in 2022 and 2023. Her individual accolades during this time include winning the Karyn Murphy Medal and the Dally M Medal in 2023, underlining her impact on the field. As the Knights search for a suitable replacement for Upton, they will need to evaluate their options for the upcoming season. Ben Jeffries, heading into his second season as coach, has a few potential candidates, including Wests Tigers co-captain Botille Vette-Welsh, whose contract situation is uncertain, and Knights centre Shanice Parker, who has experience playing fullback. This transition phase signifies the challenges ahead for the Knights, who must now adapt to the loss of a player of Upton's caliber while still competing in an expanding competition that now features 12 teams. The inclusion of new franchises, like the Bulldogs, and the return of the Warriors after a hiatus adds further complexity to the league landscape. Overall, the signing of Tamika Upton signifies a pivotal moment for both the Broncos and the Newcastle Knights, as the former seeks to solidify their status as title contenders, while the latter must find a way to rebuild and remain competitive in the evolving NRLW framework.