David Middleton's 2025 NRLW Team of the Year

1. TAMIKA UPTON (Broncos)
2. JULIA ROBINSON (Broncos)
3. TIANA PENITANI GRAY (Sharks)
4. ISABELLE KELLY (Roosters)
5. PAYTON TAKIMOANA (Warriors)
6. GAYLE BROUGHTON (Broncos)
7. JESSE SOUTHWELL (Knights)
8. RIMA BUTLER (Roosters)
9. KEELEY DAVIS (Roosters)
10. JESSIKA ELLISTON (Titans)
11. YASMIN CLYDSDALE (Knights)
12. ALEXIS TAUANEAI (Bulldogs)
13. OLIVIA KERNICK (Roosters)

The challenges faced by Abbi Church in her pursuit of a representative career are reminiscent of the struggles experienced by former Queensland hookers Matt Ballin and Jake Friend. Both players found themselves overshadowed by the legendary Cameron Smith for much of their careers.

Ballin managed to make one Origin appearance in 2010, while Friend had to wait until he was 30, only after Smith's retirement, to finally debut in the Origin arena.

In contrast, Church has the advantage of representing NSW, allowing her a longer tenure as the fullback for the Blues if she continues her impressive form from 2025. However, the prospect of a long international career with the Jillaroos might be an overestimation for the 27-year-old, particularly given Tamika Upton's likely continued dominance in the national No.1 jersey as long as she remains healthy.

Church seized a rare chance to debut for the Jillaroos in October, making a significant impact as she was named player of the match in a competition against the Kiwis Ferns, stepping in while Upton recovered from a calf injury.