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How to tune into Sport NationUpton still NRLW's best with historic second Dally M
Scott Bailey, AAP • October 2nd, 2025 6:00 am
Brisbane Broncos star Tamika Upton has taken out her second Dally M Medal | Photo: Steve Markham/AAP
Tamika Upton has written herself into the history books with the Brisbane Broncos superstar becoming the first two-time winner of the Dally M Medal in the NRLW.
Fresh off leaving the Newcastle Knights at the end of last year for personal reasons, Upton claimed the NRLW's top honour at Wednesday's awards night.
In a dramatic finish, Broncos teammate Julia Robinson led Upton with two rounds to go, only for the centre to be rested from the penultimate round.
Brisbane teammate Julia Robinson was second in the count, finishing three points behind Upton | Photo: Pat Hoelscher/AAP
Upton polled the maximum six points in the round-10 win over the Warriors, before a hat-trick in the final round ensured she finished three points clear of Robinson.
"I was telling her she deserved it and she was telling me I did. We are best of friends and really good teammates," Upton said.
"It's an honour to get this award.
"A few of the girls had their best individual seasons, but it's a privilege and just a credit to the teammates I have at the Broncos."
Widely considered the finest player to ever feature in the NRLW, Upton scored 19 tries in 12 games this year to lift the Broncos into Sunday's grand final against the Sydney Roosters.
Tamika Upton on Gayle Broughton | The Six Again Podcast
She also led the NRL for try assists and line-break assists, announcing her return to the top tier of the women's game after also winning the award in 2023.
It's therefore fitting that she becomes the first woman to win the top prize twice, after it was first introduced for the maiden NRLW season in 2017.
"It's pretty crazy," Upton said.
"This is something when I finish up my career I will reflect on these special memories.
"It's hard because right now my head is focused on the grand final, but it's something I will sit back and reflect on."
Robinson also featured in the Dally M team of the year at centre, while Broncos teammates Gayle Broughton and Romy Teitzel were named at five-eighth and in the second row respectively.
Sunday's rivals also featured prominently after the teams finished well clear of their rivals this season.
Roosters mentor John Strange was named coach of the year and Isabelle Kelly best captain after taking the team to top spot.
John Strange won the NRLW coach-of-the-year award | Photo: Steve Markham/AAP
St George Illawarra winger Indie Bostock earned try-of-the-year honours after going 80 metres with her first touch for the Dragons.
It came one year after her brother Jack was named Dally M Rookie of the Year at last season's ceremony following his superb maiden season at the Dolphins.
Dally M NRLW Team of the Year
Tamika Upton, Payton Takimoana, Isabelle Kelly (C), Julia Robinson, Sheridan Gallagher, Gayle Broughton Jesse Southwell, Ellie Johnston, Emma Manzelmann, Jessika Elliston, Romy Teitzel, Yasmin Clydsdale, Olivia Kernick.
Coach: John Strange.
Dally M Leaderboard
- Tamika Upton 35
- Julia Robinson 32
- Jesse Southwell 31
- Isabelle Kelly 29
- Rachael Pearson 24
- Jakiya Whitfeld 22
- Yasmin Clydsdale 21
- Emma Verran 20
- Tarryn Aiken 18
- Olivia Kernick 17
