We want to repay her: Upton vows to send Ali out a winner

The haka performed at the end of the Broncos-Warriors clash at Totally Workwear Stadium last Sunday really got to Tamika Upton because it signalled much more than the usual traits of unity and respect. 

It drove home to the 29-year-old champion that Ali Brigginshaw’s time playing rugby league was coming to an end. 

"With what happened on Sunday with the celebration and all, it really hit me,” Upton told NRL.com after Warriors players and staff honoured Brigginshaw after she had spoken to the crowd and accepted a framed photo of her career. 

"It hasn't felt real until all of that - she's not going to be there next year and she's always been there with me. 

"We're going to enjoy these last couple of games with her and especially the last few training sessions... it's all coming to an end." 

It may all finish up this Saturday as the Broncos host the Knights at Totally Workwear Stadium in the NRLW's second elimination final.  

Upton made her NRLW debut in 2019 and has played with Brigginshaw across five seasons with the Broncos, seven Tests with the Jillaroos and 10 Origins for the Maroons. 

She said it was Brigginshaw’s idea to have her ‘farewell’ after Round 11 of the club competition rather than during the finals campaign, as the Broncos look to defend their 2025 title. 

"Ali's pretty switched on and she wanted all that done last round, rather than running into finals,” Upton said. 

"We obviously knew we'd be playing at home in week one of finals but Ali wanted to keep the finals campaign free of too much focus on her. 

"It was a nice way to finish. Having her parents, her wife and kids, cousins, other family and friends there and then it was so good to see club boss (chief executive) Dave Donaghy there and a lot of other club officials there. 

"It was incredible and what she deserves - and as a team it can only galvanise us.

"She has put so much into the club and team that we want to repay her.” 

Upton will miss the chirping in her ear from a player who has represented the women’s game like no other. She has played 65 NRLW games, 13 Origins and 23 Tests. 

"That's just one thing... I am going to miss her so much - we've been making so much fun with her and about her last year and she's gone along with it like a real trooper," she said.

"She is very emotional. She's such a softie to be honest - she does wear her heart on her sleeve.”