LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
In a classic tale of passing the torch, Ali Brigginshaw, a true legend in the game, is backing Tarryn Aiken to take over the No.7 jersey long after she hangs up her boots.
Brigginshaw, who honed her skills playing alongside the iconic Karyn Murphy, has identified Aiken as the heir apparent to lead the team from the halfback position.
The Jillaroos stalwart witnessed Aiken's meteoric rise at the Broncos, but it's her growth and evolution in recent years that has convinced Brigginshaw of her ability to command the field as the team's chief playmaker.
As Brigginshaw gears up to notch her 25th Test appearance for Australia in the upcoming Pacific Cup final against New Zealand, she will do so from the five-eighth position, with Aiken now taking the reins at halfback.
Transitioning from one number to another may seem like a minor detail, but Brigginshaw is confident that Aiken's impact will be felt long after she retires, even with up-and-coming talents like Jesse Southwell vying for the spot.
"My time in the game is coming to a close, so I want to ensure that the prestigious No.7 jersey is in capable hands," remarked the Australian skipper during a camp in Leura.
"With Tarryn at the helm, I have no doubt that she will carry on the legacy for years to come."
Aiken's journey from a benchwarmer to a top-tier playmaker in the NRLW is a testament to her dedication and talent.
Her recent accolade of winning the Karyn Murphy Medal as the best player in the grand final only solidifies Brigginshaw's belief in her successor.
As the Rugby League world watches this transition unfold, Brigginshaw's words serve as a reminder of the cyclical nature of the sport and the enduring legacy of those who pave the way for the next generation of stars.