A last-gasp double from Tamika Upton has delivered Newcastle back-to-back NRLW premierships over Gold Coast.
The Barada woman crossed over twice in the final 10 minutes for the Knights to snatch victory whilst claiming consecutive Karyn Murphy medals as best afield in a grand final in the process.
It caps off a remarkable week after Upton similarly made a late comeback to win her first Dally M Medal on Monday.
A cut-out pass to Jasmin Strange opened the Knights' account after Gold Coast had already put eight points on the board.
Upton's second try, and game sealer, came through a brilliant piece of individual play with five minutes on the clock.
Upton the match-winner! 🔥#NRLWGF pic.twitter.com/aJ2H0fssji
— NRLW (@NRLWomens) October 1, 2023
Her late surge saved the day following three unsuccessful conversion attempts from Newcastle left the door open for fellow Indigenous All Star Jaime Chapman to be the hero.
The 21-year-old had scored a hat trick before the 43rd minute.
Chapman's additions to the scoreboard included a spirited push past three Newcastle defenders.
Chapman has a hat-trick! 🥧#NRLWGF pic.twitter.com/GI0lrdOM1g
— NRLW (@NRLWomens) October 1, 2023
Despite her efforts, it wasn't enough to galvanise a Titans win.
Upton moves to four from four in grand finals after going all the way with her former club Brisbane in 2019 and 2020.
Following Sunday's win she said the 2023 decider was "one of the toughest matches I've been a part of".
On receiving the Karyn Murphy medal, she offloaded much of the credit to her teammates.
"A lot of your work goes unnoticed by not within those (club) walls. You guys are incredible. I wouldn't want to do it with anyone else."
Gommeroi man Ronald Griffiths becomes a two-time premiership coach with the win.
