Ali Upton: A Dominant Force in NRL Women's Rugby League
Ali Upton has established herself as one of the most formidable talents in the NRL Women's Premiership (NRLW), characterized by her exceptional try-scoring ability and leadership. From her early days in regional competitions to becoming a multi-time premiership winner and individual award recipient, Upton's trajectory reflects a relentless pursuit of excellence on the rugby league field.
Key Facts
- Three-time Premiership winner with the Brisbane Broncos and Newcastle Knights.
- First NRLW player to win the Dally M Medal (Player of the Year) twice.
- Two-time Karyn Murphy Medalist, awarded to the Grand Final Player of the Match.
- National Sportsperson of the Year at the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Sports Awards (2025).
- Co-captain of both the Queensland Maroons and the Brisbane Broncos in 2025.
Early Career and Rise with the Brisbane Broncos
Upton's journey began in 2018 with the Yeppoon Seagulls, where she played as a five-eighth—a primary playmaker role—in the Rockhampton District competition. Her talent quickly caught the attention of professional scouts, leading her to sign with the Brisbane Broncos on July 15, 2019.
Her debut season was an immediate success. Starting on the wing in Round 1, she contributed to a 14–4 victory over the St George Illawarra Dragons. By October 6, 2019, she had transitioned to fullback, helping the Broncos secure a 30–6 Grand Final win over the Dragons.
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Continued Success and State Honors
In 2020, Upton's versatility and scoring prowess became evident. She was named in the Team of the Tournament at the NRL Nines in February and scored a first-half hat-trick against the New Zealand Warriors in the NRLW season opener. She capped off the year by scoring a try in the Broncos' 20–10 Grand Final win over the Sydney Roosters and making her State of Origin debut for Queensland, where she scored two tries against New South Wales.
By 2021, Upton expanded her experience by joining the Burleigh Bears in the QRL Women's Premiership, securing another Grand Final victory over the Valleys Diehards before re-signing with the Broncos.
The Newcastle Knights Era
In May 2022, Upton moved to the Newcastle Knights. Her impact was instantaneous; in a semi-final against the St George Illawarra Dragons, she became the first Knights player to score more than one try in a single game. This momentum carried her to the 2022 Grand Final, where she scored a try in a 32–12 win over the Parramatta Eels and earned the Karyn Murphy Medal.
The following year, 2023, marked a career pinnacle. Upton won the prestigious Dally M Medal as the league's Player of the Year and claimed her second Karyn Murphy Medal after leading the Knights to back-to-back premierships.
| Year | Team/Organization | Major Achievement |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Brisbane Broncos | NRLW Premiership Winner |
| 2020 | Brisbane Broncos / Queensland | NRLW Premiership & State of Origin Debut |
| 2022 | Newcastle Knights | NRLW Premiership & Karyn Murphy Medal |
| 2023 | Newcastle Knights | Dally M Medal & Karyn Murphy Medal |
| 2025 | Brisbane Broncos / Queensland | Second Dally M Medal & Co-Captaincy |
Return to the Broncos and 2025 Dominance
Following a release from the Knights in November 2024 due to personal and family circumstances, Upton returned to the Brisbane Broncos. The 2025 season saw her ascend to leadership roles as co-captain of both the Broncos and the Queensland Maroons alongside Ali Brigginshaw.
Upton's return was historic. She became the first player in NRLW history to win the Dally M Medal a second time, scoring 19 tries in just 12 games and leading the Broncos to their first Grand Final in five years. Her contributions were recognized nationally when she was named National Sportsperson of the Year at the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Sports Awards.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Dally M Medals has Ali Upton won?
Ali Upton has won the Dally M Medal twice, making her the first player in the history of the NRLW to achieve this feat.
Which teams has Ali Upton played for in the NRLW?
She has played for the Brisbane Broncos and the Newcastle Knights.
What is the Karyn Murphy Medal?
The Karyn Murphy Medal is awarded to the player of the match in the NRL Women's Grand Final. Ali Upton has won this award twice.
What were Ali Upton's statistics in the 2025 season?
In 2025, Upton scored 19 tries across 12 games while serving as co-captain of the Brisbane Broncos.
Has Ali Upton represented Australia internationally?
While she was named in the Australian squad for the 2019 World Cup 9s and the 2021 Women's Rugby League World Cup, she withdrew from both due to injury or other circumstances.