Ali Brigginshaw

Ali Brigginshaw is the current captain of the Brisbane Broncos, Queensland Maroons and Australian Jillaroos.

Born in Ipswich, Queensland, Ali grew up playing Rugby League for the North Ipswich Tigers and idolised Brisbane Broncos legend, Alfie Langer.

An extremely talented junior, Ali was forced to give up Rugby League at the age of 13 due to lack of opportunity at the time for women. Over the next five years she dabbled in competitive touch football, Muai Thai and boxing, becoming the Australian Golden Gloves champion in the Novice A 69 kg category.

Upon graduation from high school Ali returned to Rugby League, signing with the Souths Logan Magpies while juggling part-time work as a builder’s labourer.

Impressive performances for Souths Logan soon caught the eye of representative selectors, leading to Ali’s Queensland Maroons and Australia Jillaroos debuts in 2009.

A mainstay for state and country over the last 10 years, Ali has firmly established herself as one the best female rugby league players in the world.

After winning the 2013 and 2017 World Cups with Australia, she was named captain of the inaugural Brisbane Broncos Women’s National Rugby League Team in 2018 and has since led the powerhouse club to three consecutive NRLW titles.

After another standout season in 2020, Ali was awarded the Dally M Medal, cementing her position as the best women’s player in rugby league. In 2022 Ali finished the year by leading the Australian Jillaroos to their third successive World Cup, capping the tournament with a Player of the Match performance – just as she did in the World Cup Final five years earlier.

Still at the top of her game despite over a decade playing at the highest level, Ali is now focussed on winning more silverware with the Broncos, Queensland and Australia, as well as continuing what she believes is her most important work – being a positive role model for the next generation of Brigginshaw’s growing-up across the country.

“Ali is the best women’s rugby league player I have ever seen. Her all-around skills and game smarts are off the charts. What a wonderful role model to all aspiring rugby league players.” Rugby League Immortal, Andrew Johns