Tamika Upton is the best player in the NRLW after rising to every challenge in her career and now she is ready to do so again as the new Brisbane captain.
The leadership shoes she will fill are the largest imaginable after club great Ali Brigginshaw stepped down as the sole captain after a stellar eight years in the role, winning four premierships along the way.
Brigginshaw will play her final season of NRLW as a player only in 2026 so Upton, also Queensland captain, will have her wisdom to draw upon.
Coach Scott Prince has put faith in 29-year-old Upton and with good reason. She has won four premierships - three with the Broncos and one with Newcastle - and is the reigning Dally M NRLW player of the year.
"Princey's been pretty clear that with the captaincy, nothing is to change and you lead by your actions," Upton said.
"That's what I'm hoping to do and still be the same player and bring that sort of difference this year.
"With my position at fullback, you constantly have to be talking and demanding standards of your players on the field, so I think nothing really changes with that."
Brigginshaw's influence will still linger and Upton, just the club's second NRLW captain, is well aware of the status of her new role.
She's also glad to have the veteran on deck in a playing capacity.
“It's obviously a privilege and an honour. This is a pretty successful club and to be up there on that (honour) wall is really special," Upton said.
"I just think being a part of this team that we have is a privilege in itself, so that's what I'm really looking forward to.
“I remember first coming into this club and one of the best things Ali has done is make people feel comfortable in the group. She still does that now, just in a different way, which is really cool to see.
“We're very lucky to have her on board."
The Broncos are defending premiers but Upton said that just meant they had to lift their standards as players in the NRLW become fitter, faster, stronger and more skilful with each year.
"Last year was really special but that is in the past now, so we've got an opportunity now to create something new," Upton said.
"The women's game is getting better and better each year and we want to be that club that's at the pinnacle of that."
