Broncos legend Ali Brigginshaw has broken her silence on the club’s recent feud with Gorden Tallis, while explaining her shock decision to step down as captain of Brisbane’s NRLW side. The 36-year-old will hang up the boots at the end of the upcoming season but revealed on Wednesday that she was relinquishing the captaincy to help support the next generation of leaders coming through at the Broncos.
The Jillaroos and Queensland great has led Brisbane to four NRLW titles in a glittering 56-game career for the club to date. She’s also played in four Origin series wins for the Maroons and captained her state on 12 occasions. The classy playmaker previously revealed that 2026 would be her final season in the NRLW, but dropped a bombshell on Wednesday after announcing that she was handing over the reins as Brisbane’s skipper.
Broncos legend Ali Brigginshaw (R) has broken her silence on the drama involving Gorden Tallis (L) after deciding to stand down as Brisbane captain ahead of her final season in the NRLW. Pic: Getty
(Getty)
“I’ve made the decision to step down as captain in my final year,” Brigginshaw told reporters. “I’ve been thinking about it for the last couple of months and I feel like the time is right.
“I’ve done so many amazing things here, but there’s a next group of leaders that I want to see come through, and I want to be able to support them in my last year. For me, captaincy has been a huge part of my life, but there’s also a part of me that wants to have a bit of fun and release the pressure a little bit.
“I’m looking forward to supporting the next group. There are young leaders coming through, but we also have some of the best leaders in the game… the likes of Tamika Upton, Chelsea Lenarduzzi and Romy Teitzel.”
Ali Brigginshaw defends Broncos after Gorden Tallis feud
The Brisbane legend also defended a controversial decision by the club to remove Tallis’ name from a conference room at their $27 million headquarters and replace it with Brigginshaw’s. The divisive move came after ongoing criticise from Broncos legend Tallis aimed at coach Michael Maguire, players and club bosses.
Brigginshaw says there are no hard feelings between her and Tallis after being caught up in the drama involving the three-time NRL premiership winner. But the 36-year-old insists her recognition is just reward for years of service and incredible success at the club.
Ali Brigginshaw has stepped down as Broncos captain ahead of her final season after winning four NRLW premierships with the club. Pic: Getty
(Cameron Spencer via Getty Images)
“I’ve been here a very long time and I’ve worked in the community the whole time I’ve been here, so I believe I deserve what that room represents,” Brigginshaw added. “I spoke to (Broncos CEO) Dave Donaghy about it and he congratulated me on what I’ve been able to do.
“I’m a one-club player and I’m proud to say that. I’m very loyal to this club and always will be. There was nothing between me and Gordie. Dave just thought I was the right fit moving forward, and as a female player I think we deserve a room here.”
with AAP