Four-time NRLW premiership-winning Australian and Queensland fullback Tamika Upton is a Bronco again.
The 27-year-old will return to Queensland, signing a three-year deal to return to the club, in a full-time capacity, until at least the end of 2027.
Upton’s return comes five years after the Rockhampton-born superstar made her NRLW debut for the Broncos in the club’s inaugural squad, winning premierships with Brisbane in 2019 and 2020.
Upton won the Dally M Player of the Year in 2023 and two Karyn Murphy Medals for grand final player of the match after back-to-back premierships with the Newcastle Knights.
“I’m very excited to return home to my family and in particular the club where I started, with all the girls that I started with – it’s really gone full circle,” Tamika said.
“I’ve watched all the games closely and I’ve had some of my really good friends still playing for the Broncos so I’ve even gone to Sydney to watch their games live when I’ve been able to, I’ve loved still supporting them while I’ve been away.
“Family is extremely important to me, so it means the world to be closer to them and near my sister living in Brisbane, and it’s just a quick flight home (to Rocky).
“I’m really excited to be working under Princey, I’ve got a few touch connections from back in the day and worked with him at the Auckland Nines when he was on staff – he’s really taken the Broncos program to the next level alongside Paul Dyer.
“It would be incredible to win a third premiership with the Broncos.
“I’m sure Princey will get the girls together and talk about our goals and values and what we need to do to achieve them as a team – I can’t wait to be back.”
Upton, who was granted an immediate release from her contract with the Knights on compassionate grounds last month, also revealed her Nan’s reaction to the news.
“She was so excited, I spoke with her and afterwards my Mum told me she was crying happy tears when she got off the phone, so I think she’s pretty happy I’m coming home.”
The Raiders have re-signed English second-rower Hollie-Mae Dodd for a further two seasons through to the end of 2026.
The 21-year-old is a foundation NRLW player with the Raiders, making her debut with the club in 2023.
Dodd has played 15 games for the Raiders over the past two seasons, returning from an ACL injury to play eight games this year.
“I’m so excited to have signed with the Raiders for a further two years,” Dodd said.
“I have loved being part of this club and I’m so keen to be back alongside the girls.”
Meanwhile the Eels have announced the signing of England international and four-time St Helens Challenge Cup winner, Paige Travis, on a two-year deal.
The dynamic second-rower, who joins England team-mates Dodd, Georgia Roache (Knights) and Francesca Goldthorp (Cowboys) in the NRLW, will move to Parramatta next season.
Travis is expected to add to her eight England caps in the historic March 1 Test against the Jillaroos at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.
Elsewhere, the Titans have extended prop Ngatokotoru Arakua for the 2025 season.
The experienced forward boasts an impressive resumé that includes representing New Zealand and the Cook Islands on the international stage – including playing a part of the Moana camp at the most recent Pacific Championships.
She joins three other international players who have confirmed their home on the Gold Coast, re-signing until the end of the 2026 season.
Sienna Lofipo, Laikha Clarke and Sarina Masaga have all penned new deals as they chase premiership success on the Coast. All three played for Samoa in the recent Pacific Championships.
Dual international Evania Pelite will also stay a Titan for a further three years after inking a contract extension to remain on the Gold Coast until 2027.
The Queensland and Jillaroos representative, who also played for Samoa at the upcoming Pacific Championships, has played a major role in all four seasons at the club since joining as a foundation player in 2021.
The star fullback’s most recent campaign her best to date after claiming all three top awards at the Titans to recognise her standout performance.
Having built on her previous triumphs in touch football and winning Olympic gold in Rio as part of Australia’s Rugby 7s team, the 29-year-old now has her sights on achieving further success with the Titans upon re-committing.
“It means a lot to me to extend my time here. I love this club and I’ve had a lot of conversations with Murph about wanting to stay at the club long-term, so I’m really happy to signed until the end of 2027,” Pelite said.
Another Titan to commit to the club is Shaylee Bent, who will be extending her time on the Gold Coast until 2027.
Since joining the club in 2023, the Indigenous All Stars forward has played in every game since her arrival to Parkwood.
“I love being here at the Titans and I’ve built really strong connections with the girls and with Murph [coach Karyn Murphy] over the past two seasons,” Bent said.
The Bulldogs have added twin sisters Anneka and Leilani Wilson to their squad for their inaugural NRLW season in 2025.
Both local juniors with St Christophers, the sisters return to Belmore having previously played in the club’s Tarsha Gale Cup and Harvey Norman Women’s Premiership sides.
“I’m really excited to bring both Anneka and Leilani back to the club for our inaugural NRLW campaign,” said head coach Blake Cavallaro.
“I’ve had the opportunity to work with both sisters in the past at both club and rep level, where they have contributed to State of Origin and grand final victories in the pathways sphere.
In 2022, Leilani played in the second row and Anneka came off the bench for NSW in their 22-6 win over Queensland in the annual under 19s Origin clash.
The Parramatta Eels have announced that winger Zali Fay has extended her contract with the club, committing through to the end of the 2026 season.
“As a one-club player, wearing this jersey again means a lot to me, it would feel wrong to be anywhere else,” Fay said.
“I’m excited that I get this opportunity, it’s been a couple of years in the making but I feel as if we are closer than ever. This season is definitely something I’m looking forward to and so should our fans.”
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