LeagueNews.co | Robbie Hamilton
In a thrilling Pacific Championships opener at Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Dally M Medal winner Tamika Upton showcased her incredible skills as the Harvey Norman Jillaroos defeated the Kiwi Ferns 16-10.
Upton, fresh off her fourth NRLW premiership win and individual accolade, had a remarkable Test debut, scoring two tries and making an impressive 214-metre run to secure the player of the match award.
The match started with both teams committing errors, but it was Upton who made an instant impact.
In the fifth minute, Jillaroos captain Ali Brigginshaw broke through the Kiwi Ferns defense and found Upton in support, who sprinted 40 metres to score her first try.
The Kiwi Ferns responded in the 13th minute when Raecene McGregor delivered a perfect kick for Test debutant Annessa Biddle, who caught the ball cleanly and crossed the try line.
A mistake by Kiwi Ferns winger Leianne Tufuga near their own try line in the 23rd minute gave the Jillaroos excellent field position.
They capitalized on this opportunity when Tarryn Aiken's precise grubber forced a line dropout.
Shortly after, Caitlan Johnston, who had only been on the field for a minute, powered over from close range to extend Australia's lead to 12-4 after Brigginshaw successfully converted the try.
The Kiwi Ferns fought back in the second half, scoring a try through Nita Maynard to narrow the gap to just two points.
However, Upton showed her class once again, scoring her second try in the 56th minute, securing the victory for the Jillaroos.
Upton's outstanding performance on her international debut was a testament to her exceptional skills and confirmed her status as one of the brightest stars in women's rugby league.
The Jillaroos' victory over the Kiwi Ferns was a hard-fought battle, highlighting the intense competition between these two rugby league powerhouses.