Queensland Maroons star Tamika Upton has added another major honour to her outstanding career, being crowned the 2026 RLPA Players’ Champion.
The Brisbane Broncos captain was voted the competition’s best player by her NRLW peers, becoming the first woman to win the Players’ Champion award twice.
Upton also joins Johnathan Thurston as just the second player across the NRL and NRLW competitions to claim the award in consecutive seasons, following her victory in 2025.
The honour caps another dominant year for the electric Queensland fullback, who has played a key role in guiding the Broncos back to the NRLW Grand Final as they look to defend their 2025 premiership.
Across 13 matches this season, Upton has been directly involved in a try in every appearance.
She leads the competition with 20 try assists and 20 line breaks, while her 20 line break assists are also equal-best in the NRLW.
Upton has crossed for 15 tries of her own, broken 62 tackles and averaged 157 running metres per game, once again establishing herself as one of the competition’s most dangerous attacking players.
The award carries extra significance given it is voted on by opposition players, with Upton finishing ahead of fellow finalists Jessica Sergis, Teagan Levi, Raecene McGregor and Sienna Lofipo.
RLPA chief executive Clint Newton said Upton’s back-to-back recognition reflected the respect she had earned throughout the competition.
“To become the first-ever two-time winner of The Players’ Champion from the NRLW is a credit to Tamika and how consistent and incredible she has been throughout her career,” Newton said.
“Tamika has been the dominant NRLW fullback for many years now, and to be honoured by her peers in successive years just shows how respected she is by players.”
Upton has also taken on the role of sole Broncos captain this season, adding another layer of responsibility to a campaign in which she has continued to produce at an elite level.
Her performances add to an already decorated career in Queensland colours, with Upton continuing to be one of the most influential players in both the NRLW and State of Origin arenas.
Queensland Rugby League congratulates Tamika on being named the 2026 RLPA Players’ Champion.
