Broncos superstar Tamika Upton has added the Players’ Champion award, voted by NRLW players, to the 2025 Dally M Medal she received on Wednesday night.
Upton became the first NRLW player to win two Dally M Medals and she now also has Players’ Champion recognition ahead of Sunday's grand final against Sydney Roosters.
The swift, nimble and destructive fullback played a central role for her Brisbane Broncos side all season. She topped the competition with the most tries (19), line breaks (19), try assists (14), and line break assists (17).
Tamika Upton secures historic second NRLW Dally M Medal
Upton proved during the 2025 season that she is equally damaging as a runner and a creator, consistently setting up her team-mates and finishing herself.
Throughout the season, she constantly played at an elite level by scoring a try or assisting one in every game she played.
Sydney Roosters captain Isabelle Kelly, the 2024 Players’ Champion, congratulated Upton on winning the 2025 award.
"Congratulations to Tamika for winning the Players' Champion, she truly deserves this award and respect from the players as she continues to do so much for our game and all NRLW players with the way she plays,” Kelly said.
"I’ve had the privilege of playing alongside her in representative footy. She’s got an incredible footy IQ, is hugely damaging on the field, yet remains a humble person who is always willing to help others.”
RLPA CEO Clint Newton OAM praised Upton for winning the Players’ Champion for the 2025 season.
“On behalf of the RLPA I would like to congratulate Tamika Upton on being voted the Players’ Champion for 2025,” said Newton.
“Tamika is an incredibly special player and has been one of the NRLW’s best ever since her debut in 2019.
"Season after season she meets and beats the high expectations we have of her, and does so brilliantly and consistently.
“Being recognised by your peers is the highest honour in our game, and Tamika’s win reflects the respect she commands across the NRLW competition.
"Her influence goes well beyond the highlight plays. She lifts the standards
around her through professionalism and commitment to her teammates.
“Tamika is a wonderful ambassador for rugby league and the women’s game. We’re proud of the way she represents players and inspires the next generation, and we look forward to watching her continue to set the benchmark in
seasons to come.”
2025 Players’ Champion Finalists from the NRLW
- Isabelle Kelly
- Olivia Kernick
- Patricia Maliepo
- Julia Robinson
- Tamika Upton – Winner
How The Players’ Champion Is Awarded
• The Players’ Champion Contenders’ list is composed of four players from each club who are nominated to
be eligible for The Players’ Champion individual award.
• RLPA Delegates put forward four Contenders from their own teams.
• In total, 48 Contenders are then eligible to receive Players’ Champion votes from their NRL peers in the
end-of-season poll.
• Voting is open to all contracted NRLW players, with each player voting for opposition Contenders using a
3/2/1 format. Players cannot vote for their teammates.
• Players are not penalised for any suspensions and/or fines received during the course of the season.
• The player with the most number of votes across all teams is awarded The Players’ Champion.
Players’ Champion Honour Roll
• 2025 James Tedesco (4) & Tamika Upton
• 2024 Jahrome Hughes & Isabelle Kelly
• 2023 Shaun Johnson & Teagan Berry
• 2022 James Tedesco (3) & Raecene McGregor
• 2021 Tom Trbojevic & Emma Tonegato
• 2020 Nathan Cleary & Hannah Southwell
• 2019 James Tedesco (2) & Jessica Sergis
• 2018 Kalyn Ponga & Simaima Taufa
• 2017 James Tedesco (1)
• 2016 Jason Taumalolo
• 2015 Johnathan Thurston (4)
• 2014 Johnathan Thurston (3)
• 2013 Johnathan Thurston (2)
• 2012 Ben Barba
• 2011 Akuila Uate
• 2010 Darius Boyd
• 2009 Jarryd Hayne
• 2008 Braith Anasta & Petero Civoniceva
• 2007 Matt Bowen
• 2006 Ben Kennedy
• 2005 Johnathan Thurston (1)
• 2004 Danny Buderus
