How trailblazer’s sacrifices paved the way for NRLW phenom to emerge

As Ali Brigginshaw’s historic milestone ensured her name will remain etched in NRLW folklore, the enormity of her early career sacrifices had truly been announced.

From her junior days spent unable to feature in a team after an under-12s carnival spent taking on Daly Cherry-Evans, she now witnesses thousands of young girls across Queensland strapping on the boots.

“She has inspired the younger generation, there was a time when someone like Ali didn’t have any girls to look up to, but now there are so many pathways – particularly out at Ipswich where she’s living,” star Broncos fullback Tamika Upton said of Brigginshaw.

“What she’s done for the game is incredible, she definitely paved the way, and she’s still going.”

But it is the ascent of the competition’s next generation who first experienced the building grassroots pathways that has perhaps highlighted the strides made by rugby league’s trailblazers so glaringly obvious.

As Brigginshaw became the NRLW’s first player to hit the 50 game milestone in the Broncos’ 38-4 thumping of Parramatta, teenage phenom Shalom Sauaso was starring in her maiden starting appearance.

Finishing with 130 running metres and six tackle busts from 11 carries, along with 22 ferocious tackles for no misses, the fellow Ipswich product cemented her reputation as one of Australian sport’s most promising talents, having also dominated in rugby union for the Queensland Reds.

On the back of the 18-year-old’s work through the middle at lock, Brisbane’s backline clicked into gear – centres Julia Robinson and Mele Huganga scoring doubles, with the former registering 281 running metres.

“I love how energetic she is, you just tell her to do something, and she just does it,” Upton said of Sauaso.

“Defensively, she’s really aiming up. She’s been in the junior ranks and this is a massive step-up, but you wouldn’t even know it.

“The forward pack are jelling week upon week, and she slotted straight in there. She’s doing an incredible job.”

Sauaso’s starting opportunity came due to Bree Spreadborough’s ankle injury and Brianna Clark’s suspension, and Broncos coach Scott Prince hinted his young tearaway would need to bide her time until the 2026 season before becoming a regular run-on player.

“It was great reward for Loma, but just with her effort and energy off the bench I think that’s sort of where she sits at the moment – bringing that impact off the bench,” Prince said.

“She knows her role with that, and we can see a massive difference when she does take the field. She’s got the ability to play anywhere … but in the middle she’s that aggressive runner who can find her front for quick play the balls.

“Defensively she tires a little bit, which you expected as a young player. She’s got a lot of learning to do, but I love her energy.”