"I believe she deserves the recognition based on her community work and tenure."
Veteran rugby league player Ali Brigginshaw has announced two significant changes to her playing career: she will step down as captain of the Brisbane Broncos for the upcoming NRLW season and has retired from State of Origin football effective immediately.
Broncos Captaincy
Brigginshaw made her decision to relinquish the Broncos captaincy public during a press conference at the club's Clive Berghofer Centre.
She has captained the Broncos in 56 matches, leading the team to four NRLW premierships. Brigginshaw stated that her decision was made to support the development of the next generation of leaders.
The club has announced it will rename a meeting room in Brigginshaw's honor. The room was previously named after former men's captain Gorden Tallis. Brigginshaw expressed pride in being a one-club player and stated she believes she deserves the recognition based on her community work and tenure.
State of Origin Retirement
Brigginshaw, 36, has announced her immediate retirement from State of Origin football. The decision was made to allow her to focus on her final season with the Brisbane Broncos, which will also mark her last season in rugby league.
Brigginshaw is the most-capped player of the NRLW era for the Queensland Maroons. She had previously indicated she was open to continuing after a 2-1 series loss in 2025, during which she was benched for the third game. Her reconsideration led to this announcement.
Brigginshaw has played every State of Origin game for the Maroons since the NRLW era began in 2018, captaining the side in 12 of 13 matches. Prior to the NRLW era, she played seven interstate games for Queensland, starting in 2009. She led the Maroons to victory in the inaugural three-match series in 2024, playing at halfback, lock, and five-eighth.
Future Outlook
Following Brigginshaw's departure from the Origin arena, Lauren Brown, who started at halfback in Origin III in 2025, is a potential option to partner Tarryn Aiken in the halves for the 2026 season.
The women's State of Origin series is scheduled to begin on April 30 in Newcastle. The NRLW season is scheduled to commence in July.
Brigginshaw had previously announced her retirement from all rugby league following the 2026 campaign.