Machibet LiveNRL 2023, Pacific Championships 2023, Tamika Upton, Newcastle Knights, Jillaroos, Brad Donald

Author: Corey Rosser NRL Reporter
Timestamp: Mon 2 Oct 2023, 12:57 PM

Having further solidified her standing as the female game's leading player in Sunday's grand final win over the Titans, Tamika Upton is turning her attention to a Test debut later this month.

A calf injury denied her from taking part in last year's World Cup – which was the first time the Jillaroos had played since 2019 – meaning the outstanding Knights fullback is still yet to pull on the green and gold jersey, despite having represented Queensland five times and played nearly 30 NRLW games.

But that is almost certain to change come the kick-off of the Pacific Championships on October 14, with the 26-year-old confirming her intention to be available for Brad Donald's side.

It comes after a 2023 season in which she won both the NRLW Dally M Medal and Karyn Murphy Medal as best on ground in the Grand Final, averaging 219 metres across 11 games.

Upton all class

"Yeah [I'm available]. I'm fit and healthy and that's probably the biggest thing for me this season, being able to get through a whole season," Upton said.

"It's a long-term goal [to play for Australia]. I have always said I sort of go day by day, so I'll party, celebrate and then go from there."

The Jillaroos will face the Kiwi Ferns twice in the space of two weeks this month, as part of an end-of-season women's calendar that will also see Fetu Samoa face Fiji Bulikula and the Papua New Guinea Orchids play Cook Islands Moana.

Week 1 - Week 1 - Saturday 14 Oct

Full Time

Jillaroos

Kiwi Ferns

Venue: Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Townsville

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A focus on international footy comes after Upton led Newcastle to their second consecutive NRLW title on Sunday, and in the dressing rooms post-match she shared her belief that the side are well placed to follow in the footsteps of her former club the Broncos in achieving a three-peat next year.

With Upton, Yasmin Clydsdale and Hannah and Jesse Southwell – arguably their four best players this season – all tied up on long-term deals, the Knights are poised to maintain the core of their line-up in 2024.

"Definitely [we can make it three]. We will get the group back again, see how recruitment goes. A lot of us girls are (signed beyond next year) which is really good to see," Upton said.

"At the Broncos, obviously we had a really good culture there and that's what we have tried to create here at the Knights."