Fans feel for Julia Robinson after losing Dally M Medal to Tamika Upton due to team decision

A controversial decision to rest Julia Robinson in the penultimate round of the season has basically cost the Broncos star a Dally M Medal.

While her teammate Tamika Upton wrote herself into the history books by becoming the first two-time winner of the NRLW’s top women’s award, an emotional Robinson had to fight back tears while it all sunk in.

Robinson led Upton with two rounds to go, only for the centre to be rested in the second last round.

Upton polled the maximum six points in the Round 10 win over the Warriors, before a hat-trick in the final round ensured she finished three points clear of Robinson.

Upton, fresh off leaving the Newcastle Knights at the end of last year for personal reasons, later recognised her teammate upon receiving the medal.

“Obviously Julia Robinson, she’s been incredible this year,” Upton said.

“We’ve seen what she’s done, not playing in her preferred position, to be honest, and I think she’s made it her own ... she’s been incredible.

“I was telling her she deserved it and she was telling me I did. We are best of friends and really good teammates.

“It’s an honour to get this award.

“A few of the girls had their best individual seasons, but it’s a privilege and just a credit to the teammates I have at the Broncos.”

Widely considered the finest player to ever feature in the NRLW, Upton scored 19 tries in 12 games this year to lift the Broncos into Sunday’s grand final against the Sydney Roosters.

She also led the NRL for try assists and line-break assists, announcing her return to the top tier of the women’s game after also winning the award in 2023.

But fans felt for Robinson, who would have — more than likely — won the award if not for that decision to rest her. Obviously, playing her out position didn’t help either.

“So being rested in R10 cost Julia Robinson ... It’s a team sport, but I hate seeing players taken out of consideration because of a coach’s decision,” a fan said on X (formerly Twitter).

“Feel for the rested Julia Robinson ...,” another said

And another: “My heart is broken for her, that’s gotta hurt so bad,.”

And another: “Imagine getting rested and losing the Dally M by 3 points.”

As for Upton, she has become the first woman to win the top prize twice, after it was first introduced for the maiden NRLW season in 2017.

“It’s pretty crazy,” Upton said.

“This is something when I finish up my career I will reflect on these special memories.

“It’s hard because right now my head is focused on the grand final, but it’s something I will sit back and reflect on.”

Robinson also featured in the Dally M team of the year at centre, while Broncos teammates Gayle Broughton and Romy Teitzel were named at five-eighth and in the second row respectively.

Sunday’s rivals also featured prominently after the teams finished well clear of their rivals this season.

Roosters mentor John Strange was named coach of the year and Isabelle Kelly best captain after taking the team to top spot.

St George Illawarra winger Indie Bostock earned try-of-the-year honours after going 80 metres with her first touch for the Dragons.

It came one year after her brother Jack was named Dally M Rookie of the Year at last season’s ceremony following his superb maiden season at the Dolphins.

Dally M NRLW Team of the Year

Tamika Upton, Payton Takimoana, Isabelle Kelly (capt), Julia Robinson, Sheridan Gallagher, Gayle Broughton Jesse Southwell, Ellie Johnston, Emma Manzelmann, Jessika Elliston, Romy Teitzel, Yasmin Clydsdale, Olivia Kernick. Coach: John Strange.

DALLY M LEADERBOARD

Tamika Upton 35

Julia Robinson 32

Jesse Southwell 31

Isabelle Kelly 29

Rachael Pearson 24

Jakiya Whitfeld 22

Yasmin Clydsdale 21

Emma Verran 20

Tarryn Aiken 18

Olivia Kernick 17

- With AAP