In a year that included guiding her NRLW club to a premiership victory and captaining Australia; Queensland halfback Ali Brigginshaw has been recognised for her achievements by being named as a finalist in this year’s Q Sport Awards.
The Queensland Sport Star of the Year nominee was one of the form players for the Brisbane Broncos as they took the inaugural Women’s NRL competition by storm on their way to claiming the title on NRL grand final day.
However, that is only one part of what she achieved in the past sporting year; which included being named player of the final of the Rugby League World Cup where the Jillaroos edged out New Zealand in a fantastic final.
She began season 2018 once more in Jillaroos colours at the Commonwealth Championships which Australia also won; before playing the SEQ Division 1 competition with Brother Ipswich.
Brigginshaw was one of Queensland’s best in the Harvey Norman State of Origin match held this year at North Sydney Oval; setting up a try for Karina Brown in the narrow loss.
She ended the representative season by skippering the Australian Jillaroos to victory in their recent Test match at Mt Smart Stadium; another thrilling and hard-fought win over the Kiwi Ferns.
Brigginshaw honoured to lead Jillaroos
Off the field; she is a fantastic ambassador for rugby league and women’s sport and is often quoted on what it means to be inspiring the next generation of girls to play and also changing the attitudes of young boys.
In this year’s Q Sports awards, she is in illustrious company, with her fellow nominees having all achieved at the highest level in their sports.
Those nominees are: Ashleigh Barty (Tennis), Cate Campbell (Swimming), Mark Knowles (Hockey), Beth Mooney (Cricket), Tia-Clair Orr (Weightlifting), Clare Polkinghorne (Football), Will Power (Motor Racing), Michael Shelley (Athletics), Cameron Smith (Golf) and Stephanie Wood (Netball).
Other categories to be awarded at the event include Queensland Sport Volunteer and Queensland Junior team.
Brigginshaw’s Brisbane Broncos Women’s team has also been shortlisted in the Queensland Sport Team of the Year; while former Queensland Maroons and current Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga is to be elevated to Legend status.
The black tie event will be held at the Plaza Ballroom on the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre tomorrow night (Wednesday, November 28).
>> Find out more about Q Sport and the Q Sport awards at the website
