Indigenous NRLW stars shortlisted for Team of the Year

Jarred Cross Published October 1, 2024 at 3.00pm (AWST)

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Six First Nations footballers including Newcastle Knights fullback Tamika Upton have been shortlisted for the NRLW's Dally M Team of the Year. (Image: Facebook)

A host of Indigenous NRLW stars, including the reigning Dally M Medallist, have been nominated for the competition's team of the year.

Dual Māori and Indigenous All Star, NSW Origin and Jillaroos representative Olivia Kernickjoins dual-code international Mahalia Murphy as nominations for second row spots, with recent rugby convert Grace Kemp in line for selection as prop.

In the backs, Titans gun Jaime Chapman has been shortlisted for a centre spot alongside Raiders' PM's XIII wing Shakiah Tungai and Knights star Tamika Upton, who is looking to go back-to-back at fullback.

Kernick and Upton were Team of the Year selections in 2023.

Chapman enjoyed another strong season in 2024, where she took out NSW Women's State of Origin Player of the Year for her series performances with the Sky Blues last month.

Rugby league's night of nights is set for Wednesday night.

For the women's competition's highest-individual honour, Upton is amongst the favourites to make it consecutive Dally M Medals to cap off a stellar few years.

Her Knights fell short to the Roosters 25-16 in Sunday's preliminary final to end their hopes of a premiership three-peat.

Kernick and former Newcastle-now-Sharks forward Ellie Johnston sat in the top six of the Dally M votes leaderboard before it went behind closed doors earlier in the season.