On the up and Upton: Origin win just the start of Tamika's grand 2023 plans

If Tamika Upton's State of Origin campaign is anything to go by, the Newcastle fullback is in for a big year of footy. 

The 26-year-old fullback was everywhere at Queensland Country Bank Stadium, scoring a try and making a number of vital one-on-one tackles to help the Maroons hold NSW to just a four-point win and wrap up the series on home turf.

Growing up in Rockhampton, eight hours south of Townsville, Upton said it was the 18,000 passionate Maroons fans cheering her on from the stands which inspired her match-defining feats.

"The crowd turned up today and it was unreal to play in front of them, I think that was really driving me to make those extra efforts," Upton told NRL.com following the match. "Regional Queensland just does it better, we felt the support all week and tonight a record crowd, it really helped us show up."

"As a whole, I think it was just our effort in defence this series.

"There was a lot of drop ball in Game One but we showed up in defence and then tonight, when the momentum swung in that second half we did a lot of defending."

Upton's performance for the Maroons was game-changing at times, denying both Tianan Penitani and Emma Tonegato the opportunity to steal the series with spectacular try-savers.

While teammate Tazmin Gray was a worthy winner of the Nelly Doherty medal, the Rockhampton junior couldn't have been far behind for the Maroons.

"When you get to pull on the jersey along with some of the best quality players in the state and take on another quality opposition, it really helps you go to another level," Upton said. "It was just good to play more footy in the Queensland jersey.

"I think it’s the best game of women’s rugby league we'll see all year and you’re playing for your state and community back home so all around it’s a good feeling."

After re-committing to the reigning premiers in April, Upton will be the longest signed player in the NRLW to be signed until 2027 alongside Southwell sisters – Hannah and Jesse – who have options with the Knights in their five-year deals.

After uprooting her life several times to pursue her rugby league dream, Upton believes she can take her game to new height in 2023 with the security and confidence that came with signing the long-term deal.

"Moving around and having a job is hard outside of footy but now that I’m locked in for five years. Obviously I can settle down, buy a place, get to work and focus on my footy," Upton said.

"It was just a bit of security. I wanted to repay the faith the club had shown me and I didn’t want to go anywhere else.

"So I was keen to put pen to paper and the fact they were keen on the deal as well, it just worked out for both parties.

I didn’t want to leave and I’m keen to start building the squad.

Knights fullback Tamika Upton

"We’ve got a few girls on multi-year deals in a few key positions including Hannah and Jesse so it’s going to be good to build combinations of them."

Upton said she is excited to re-unite with Blues halfback Jesse Southwell at Newcastle, who will have taken a lot of confidence from backing up her Game One debut to lead NSW to a win in Townsville.

"She was unreal, her kicking game was unreal. I was chasing that ball all night out the back and she really directed them around the park," Upton said.

"She’s just going to get better and better I think and she’s a big reason for the points tonight.

"I’ll be really glad to get back to training with her and have her as a teammate again."