The NRL Women's Premiership is in full swing, and the 2026 season is shaping up to be a thrilling one. After two rounds, the competition is more unpredictable than ever, with the gap between the heavyweights and the rest narrowing. The story isn't just about the top teams continuing to win; it's about the shift in dynamics and the evolution of players like Ali Brigginshaw and Tamika Upton, who are redefining greatness.
One of the most intriguing developments is the transformation of Ali Brigginshaw's role within the Brisbane Broncos. With Tamika Upton taking over the captaincy and Jesse Southwell steering the side, it might have been assumed that Brigginshaw's influence would diminish. However, her impact has simply evolved. Instead of controlling every moment of every match, Brigginshaw is now more strategic, knowing when to take control, support her teammates, and inject herself into the contest. This shift is a testament to her comfort in her own game and her understanding of leadership, which isn't always about having the loudest voice or the most touches.
The numbers back up this evolution. Brigginshaw is seeing less of the football than she did last season, but her impact remains and, in some areas, is even tracking above where she was a year ago. Through two games, she has already recorded almost half of last season's tackle breaks in just eight runs, while adding a line break and a try to her tally. She is currently equal leader in the competition for try assists, proving that the smartest players don't just survive as they get older; they evolve into what their team needs them to become.
More broadly, this evolution is a theme emerging from Brisbane's unbeaten start. Greatness in the NRLW is no longer just about producing moments; it's about evolving with the demands of the game. Tamika Upton's season has been another reminder that we're witnessing one of the greatest careers the NRLW has produced. Her three-try performance against the Sharks saw her become the first player in NRLW history to reach 50 career tries, another remarkable milestone in a résumé already overflowing with premierships, representative honours, and individual awards.
The opening two rounds also showcased the attacking flair that makes the NRLW so exciting. Three hat-tricks were recorded across the weekend, including Jaime Chapman's four-try performance for the Titans and three-try hauls from Tamika Upton and Faythe Manera. This was only the second time in NRLW history that three hat-tricks, including a four-try effort, have been recorded in a single round. Through the opening 12 games of the season, four hat-tricks have already been scored, putting the competition on track to challenge last year's record of 14. Encouragingly, the attacking freedom has arrived alongside improved discipline.
The next generation is pushing established stars, while those stars are finding new ways to influence games. The best teams are still winning, but they are no longer winning comfortably. The NRLW is in a good place, with the chase for the top spot becoming more unpredictable and exciting. The competition is more open than ever, and the next few rounds will be crucial in determining the final standings. The NRLW is not just a competition; it's a platform for players to showcase their talent, and the 2026 season is already shaping up to be one for the history books.
