'The time is right': Brigginshaw steps aside as captain in final season

The champion halfback said it was not a decision taken lightly, but one that would give her more time to fully embrace her final season in the NRLW competition.

"I’ve made the decision to step down as captain in my final year," Brigginshaw told reporters after her decision was announced by the club.

"I’ve been thinking about it for the last couple of months and I feel like the time is right.

"I’ve done so many amazing things here, but there’s a next group of leaders that I want to see come through, and I want to be able to support them in my last year.”

The announcement comes before the squad take part in a pre-season camp in preparation for this year's upcoming NRLW season, which kicks off on July.

Last season, Brigginshaw co-captained with star fullback Tamika Upton, with the squad also leaning on the experience of representative forwards Chelsea Lenarduzzi and Romy Teitzel.  

"It wasn’t a decision I took lightly, but after speaking to my family and friends, it was something I wanted to do," Brigginshaw said.

“(The timing feels right) just knowing that we have the right leaders here.

"For me, captaincy has been a huge part of my life, but there’s also a part of me that wants to have a bit of fun and release the pressure a little bit.

"I’m looking forward to supporting the next group. There are young leaders coming through, but we also have some of the best leaders in the game.

“I’m extremely honoured to captain this club. It’s an amazing club and I’m very fortunate to have been able to do that and win premierships here as captain.

"We’ve established a great team and a great club in the women’s space.

"It’s always been something where I’ve thought about who the next leader would be, but with the leadership group we have here, I know the team’s in the right place.

"I know the next leaders are going to take this team forward, and we’ve got great leadership at the top with Scott Prince and Paul Dyer overseeing the program.

"Everything’s in a good place, so I feel like it’s time for me to enjoy my last year of footy and make the most of every moment."

Although content in her decision, the only time the emotions threatened to spill over was when Brigginshaw was asked what her father - former Queensland representative halfback Larry Brigginshaw - thought of her decision to retire at season's end. 

“Yes, he’s very proud. I think he doesn’t want me to stop playing because it’ll feel like the end of an era for the family when we don’t have those rugby league games to go to anymore," Brigginshaw said.

"I called him this morning after making the decision and he’s always proud of me.

"He didn’t wear a Broncos jersey, but he wore the No. 7 jersey and captained his side, so I’m really proud to follow in his footsteps.”

With the Broncos to launch their premiership defence at Suncorp Stadium on July 4 in a derby match against the Cowboys, Brigginshaw said she was looking forward to getting some time back to enjoy the little things.

“I just want to have fun and soak up every moment," Brigginshaw said.

"I want to enjoy every session and every game I get to be part of.

"That’s my motivation — while I’m in this jersey and at this club, I’m all in. It’s not about next year or what comes next. It’s about finishing this year the right way.”