The No.1 battle that will clinch more than NRLW grand final glory
All eyes will be on the battle between the fullbacks when the Knights and Titans fight for NRLW grand final glory, writes PAMELA WHALEY.
NRLW
Don't miss out on the headlines from NRLW. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Tamika Upton and Evania Pelite are on a collision course for more than an NRLW premiership on Sunday.
The star fullbacks are firmly on the radar for an Australian jersey for the Pacific Championships at the end of the season but two can’t go into the No.1.
Dally M Medallist and Newcastle fullback Upton missed the 2022 World Cup victory with the Jillaroos due to a calf injury after last year’s NRLW premiership win.
Cronulla’s Emma Tonegato and Roosters’ Sam Bremner took on the job in tandem for Australia.
However, Tonegato has since made a switch to the halves and Bremner has retired, opening up a vacancy at the back, while Pelite played on the wing and bench during the Jillaroos’ undefeated campaign.
She’s since helped the Titans to Sunday’s grand final opposite Upton’s Knights, which sets up an important clash between the Queensland teammates for dual reasons with the Australian team to be selected on Tuesday morning.
Upton, who claimed the crown as the game’s best player on Wednesday night, was diplomatic when asked if she wanted the jersey but admits she’s fit and ready if picked.
“Honestly, I haven’t thought about anything apart from this week and it starts at training and building into the finals nicely,” she said.
“I haven’t thought about anything else that comes with footy.
“The body is feeling really good actually, and that’s a credit to the physios and strength and conditioning staff.”
Pelite, however, is not shy about her ambitions to win a title and to play for Australia again.
The Rugby Sevens Olympic gold medallist leads the competition with 78 tackle busts and has 1,694 run metres for the Titans this season. Only Upton has more (1,745).
“Speaking with (coach Karyn Murphy) at the start of the season, the last two seasons I’ve played in between both (centre and fullback), and I said I wanted to play a full NRLW season in one position and I wanted to be at fullback here,” she said.
“That’s been nice, but I know that with my versatility and the amazing depth we have here in rugby league for Australia, it’s going to be a lot harder to try and fight for fullback, even in the centres with all the amazing girls coming through.
“I had a stint on the wing for the Jillaroos, but at the moment I don’t really mind where I play I would just really like to wear the jersey.
“If I had to put on any number jersey, I don’t mind as long as I got to wear it.”
Playing steady football for the Titans in the No.1 jersey has helped Pelite to her best season in the NRL yet.
“Just being able to focus on it, not worrying about any positional changes throughout the week, all my conversations with Murph and the coaching staff is how to be a better fullback for the team. It helps so much this season.
“I feel so much more comfortable out there.”
The Jillaroos squad will be announced on Tuesday morning for end of season Tests against New Zealand on October 14 at Queensland Country Bank Stadium in Townsville and October 28 at AAMI Park in Melbourne.
Originally published as The No.1 battle that will clinch more than NRLW grand final glory
Inside the code-hopping world of footballer Sheridan Gallagher
Newcastle Jets recruit - and NRLW player - Sheridan Gallagher is proving code hoping is a viable option for elite women athletes looking to earn a full time income.
Jillaroos veteran takes phenom under her wing as pressure mounts
Ali Brigginshaw is a legend of the game, Jesse Southwell is the biggest rising star in the sport – PAMELA WHALEY reveals how the NRLW, Origin and positional rivals have bonded in Jillaroos camp.