In 2025, Tamika Upton, a standout fullback, will join the Brisbane Broncos, continuing her pursuit of a premiership in new colors.
The four-time Premiership winner wanted to move closer to her family in Queensland, so Newcastle agreed to release her for the last three years of her contract.
In the competition to sign her, Brisbane emerged victorious, securing the Dally M Medal winner a three-year contract that will keep her with the team until 2027.
It’s truly come full circle, Upton remarked, and I can’t wait to see my family and the club where I started, especially with all the girls I started with.
Being close to my sister, who lives in Brisbane, and my family is very important to me. It’s also only a short trip home (to Rocky).
“I’ve loved continuing to support the Broncos while I’ve been away. I’ve followed every game very carefully, and some of my really dear friends are still playing for them, so I’ve even traveled to Sydney to watch their games live when I can. Winning a third Premiership with the Broncos would be amazing. I’m eager to return.
With seven tries, 13 try-assists, and an average of 125 meters in the 2024 season, Upton’s skill with the ball has shown to be a formidable threat to everyone she encounters.
The 27-year-old helped the Knights to three straight finals appearances and has maintained a regular berth in both the Jillaroos and Queensland national sides.
The strikepower already there in the minor premiership champions’ lineup will be strengthened with Upton’s presence.
Several athletes have been confirmed to wear the Broncos shirt in 2025, including Olympic gold medallist Gayle Broughton, State of Origin champion Julia Robinson, and seasoned playmaker Ali Brigginshaw.
Ben Jefferies has the challenging chore of locating a new fullback on the market once she leaves Newcastle. Although Knights center Shanice Parker has previously filled in as the starting player, the team may possibly look to hire a specialist.
Botille Vette-Welsh, a New Zealand international who played in all nine of the West Tigers’ 2024 games, is not under contract for the next campaign.