Tamika Upton won't be changing anything about her game and will lead by example as the new Broncos captain.
Upton feels she still has a bit to learn, but is welcoming the challenge of replacing NRLW legend Ali Brigginshaw in leading her side, and their premiership defence, starting July 4.
The Barada fullback, 29, has let her football do the talking throughout her career, and is widely considered the women's game's best with a stellar CV including two Dally M Medals, premierships, and representative honours.
Upton's no stranger to leadership roles, leading Newcastle to the 2023 premiership as vice captain before returning to Brisbane in 2025, and was appointed her home state's skipper for this year's State of Origin series.
"(Broncos coach Scott Prince) has been pretty clear on that with the captaincy — nothing is to change and you lead by your actions," Upton said on Monday, "and that's what I'm hoping to do, and still be the same player, and yeah, bring that sort of difference this year."
"We've got really good leaders at this club, and I think that's what makes this club successful. So I know I'm not alone out there."
She said her role in the no.1 jumper has meant a lot of on-field talk, although not much is needed in their side, and demanding teammate standards, "so I think nothing really changes with that".
Brigginshaw, a Brisbane veteran, Queensland and Jillaroos great, stepped down from captaincy of the reigning premiers earlier this month.
She's more than confident of Upton succeeding in with the responsibility.
"Tamika is the pinnacle of the game, she sets very high standards of herself and those around her," Brigginshaw said.
"It made it a lot easier to step down as captain, knowing that Tamika is here and the team will be in safe hands.
"She's the right person for this, and I know she is going to take the team forward in the best way possible.
"All of her family is really proud of her and as a Club, we are all very proud of her too."
Upton, a Rockhampton product, began her career with the Broncos in 2019 before a three year patch with Newcastle, bringing back-to-back premierships, between 2022-2024.
Our skipper for 2026 🐎 pic.twitter.com/fnv0UY3n8n
— Brisbane Broncos (@brisbanebroncos) June 15, 2026
She returned to her original club ahead of the 2025, culminating in her fourth premiership last October.
Upton has made 50 NRLW appearances, represented Queensland across seven Origin series, run out eight times for Australia and twice for the Indigenous All Stars.
"I think that's probably going to be the biggest adjustment, is just the off-field stuff," Upton said.
"I'm pretty well supported by a bunch of great leaders here, and Princey's really supportive...it's going to be good learnings for me this year, and I know I have a lot to work on, but I'm ready for that challenge."
The Broncos start trial matches this weekend before kicking off their NRLW season against the Cowboys on July 4.
