The Rugby League Players Association (RLPA) is proud to announce Tamika Upton as the Players’ Champion for 2025, as voted by NRLW players.
This is the first-ever Players’ Champion recognition for Tamika, after Finalist nods for the award in 2023 and 2024. Tamika was announced as the Players’ Champion live on Channel 9’s NRL Grand Final Countdown on Thursday night.
Upton had a remarkable 2025 NRLW season, and now goes into this weekend’s Grand Final against the Sydney Roosters having received rugby league’s greatest player-voted honour.
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 proved during the 2025 season that she is equalling damaging as a runner and a creator, consistently setting up her team mates and finishing herself.
Throughout the season, Tamika constantly played at an elite level by scoring a try or assisting one in every single game she played.
Clint Newton OAM, the CEO of the RLPA, praised Tamika for winning the Players’ Champion for the 2024 season.
“On behalf of the RLPA I would like to congratulate Tamika Upton on being voted the Players’ Champion for 2025,” said Clint 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.”
Tamika Upton’s Players’ Champion win means it is the first time it has been won by an NRLW player that does not play for the Sydney Roosters of St George Illawarra Dragons.
Players’ Champion Isabelle Kelly Congratulates Tamika Upton
Isabelle Kelly, the 2024 Players’ Champion, congratulated Tamika on winning the award in 2025.
“Congratulations to Tamika for winning the Players’ Champion, she truly deserves this award and respect from the players as continues to do so much for our game and all NRLW players with the way she plays,” said Isabelle Kelly.
“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.”
2025 Players’ Champion Finalists from the NRLW
Isabelle Kelly
Olivia Kernick
Patricia Maliepo
Julia Robinson
Tamika Upton – Winner
Tamika Upton Key Stats for 2025
- 12 games
- 19 tries
- 14 try assists
- 19 line breaks
- 48 tackle breaks
- Average of 133 running metres per game
About The Players’ Champion voting
- 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 three Contenders from their own teams before an RLPA Working Group panel (made up of current and former NRLW players) nominates a fourth and final player from each team.
- In total, 68 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 Winners:
- 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
