Rampaging Bronco: Hall rewarded with Karyn Murphy Medal

The competition only went for a month but for 2020 Karyn Murphy Medal winner Amber Hall, the journey had just about everything. 

Hall became the second Kiwi representative in three seasons after Kimiora Nati (2018) to be awarded player of the match in the NRL Telstra Women's Premiership grand final.

It capped a remarkable return for the Broncos powerhouse, who a fortnight ago feared her season may have been over after a tackle on Isabelle Kelly attracted attention.

A one-match ban for a hip-drop tackle in round two gave Hall the week off in last week's win over the Roosters and ultimately added the fire in the belly to repay the faith of her teammates on Sunday.

She was at her rampaging best in the 20-10 triumph, scoring a try in the first half and terrorising the Roosters defensive line to finish the game with a try, 154 metres, three tackle busts and three offloads.

"I'm still in shock, I just went out there to play for my team and do the job," Hall said.

"[The week off] was good, I mean it wasn't good watching the team play, but it helped me, even more, to want to be back in the grand final."

Hall, who joined the Warriors' five players in coming across to Australia to quarantine last month in a bid to join the Broncos, said the club's culture had driven her to return.

The Kiwi Ferns representative will return to New Zealand on Tuesday, giving her at least a few days to celebrate with her teammates. 

"I like the vibe and the culture at the Broncos, it's really good," she said.

"I've never been looked after before the way they look after me at the Broncos.

"I feel like I'm at home so I wouldn't want to leave. I was telling the girls we're lucky we won because I didn't want to go into quarantine angry."

Asked where the humble and quiet forward found her aggression on the field, Hall said growing up with cousins in the backyard was the starting point.

"I was brought up with boy cousins so it was rough," she said.

"The contact was heaps different this year. I found it harder than last year but the team did good.

"I think the competition's they have here in Brisbane and Sydney, it's different because everyone is fitter.

"They're stronger and smarter. It comes into the NRLW from club."

Broncos coach Kelvin Wright said the award was "well deserved" after her heroics and sacrifices to play for the club this season.

"She's been one of the best forwards in the game, an absolute handful," Wright said.

"She played the full game and every run I'm sure it takes a lot of energy out of the opposition to tackle her.

"She's sacrificed a lot to come over here. She's a massive part of our team, a great character. She's probably a bit of a pest.

"There was never any doubt about her. She always wanted to come and we always want to be here. 

"We'll keep having her back for as long as she wants to."