Gayle force: Broughton claims Trish Hina medal

Māori fullback Gayle Broughton has taken out the 2023 Trish Hina medal for the player of the Harvey Norman Women All Stars.

The 26-year-old co-captained the Māori Ferns to a thrilling 16-12 win over the Indigenous All Stars on Saturday afternoon.

The Parramatta Eels fullback ran 135 metres and made eight tackle breaks in her 60-minute performance at Rotorua International Stadium to help her side claim back the Women's All Stars title.

“There’s no better feeling than coming home and bringing this special moment home," Broughton said following the match. 

"I can’t put it into words, I’m absolutely buggered but what a game. It’s a massive achievement for me and my ‘whanau’ (family).

"I’ve been on some pretty big stages in my life but nothing compares to wearing the Māori flag on my chest and no better place than at home.” 

Saturday’s match marked the first representative game for Broughton, the former rugby sevens gold medal winner, after she switched to rugby league last season but turned down an offer to play for the Kiwi Ferns at the rescheduled 2021 World Cup.