LeagueNews.co | Robbie Hamilton
Dally M Medal winner Tamika Upton made an impressive Test debut for the Harvey Norman Jillaroos in their victory over the Kiwi Ferns in the Pacific Championships opener.
Upton, who recently won her fourth NRLW premiership and the prestigious Dally M Medal, had a standout performance, scoring two tries and running for 214 metres.
Her outstanding display earned her the player of the match award and showcased her talent on the international stage.
The match started with both teams making errors in the early stages.
However, it was Upton who quickly made an impact, racing 40 metres to score in the fifth minute.
Her captain, Ali Brigginshaw, had broken through the defensive line and found Upton in support, allowing her to cross the try line.
The Kiwi Ferns responded in the 13th minute when Raecene McGregor executed a perfect kick for Test debutant Annessa Biddle to gather and score out wide.
The game remained tightly contested until a mistake by Kiwi Ferns winger Leianne Tufuga near her own try line gave the Jillaroos an opportunity.
Capitalizing on the error, the Jillaroos forced a line dropout with a precise grubber kick from Tarryn Aiken.
Shortly after, Caitlan Johnston powered over the try line from close range, extending Australia's lead to 12-4 after Brigginshaw successfully converted the try.
Despite a valiant effort from the Kiwi Ferns, the Jillaroos held on to secure a 16-10 victory in the opening match of the Pacific Championships.
Upton's exceptional performance was undoubtedly a key factor in the team's success, and she has firmly established herself as a rising star in the world of rugby league.