Brisbane Broncos skipper Ali Brigginshaw has anointed new halves partner Skyla Adams as the club's next superstar.
The 18-year-old is set for her NRLW debut alongside 34-year-old Brigginshaw in Brisbane's season opener against the Eels on Saturday afternoon, capping a rapid rise throughout the past 12 months.
Adams was a member of the Queensland Women's State of Origin squad and captained the Maroons Under-19's team before this weekend's maiden Broncos appearance.
It didn't take long for Brigginshaw to recognise the youngster's unique ability and she's excited to mentor Adams as she breaks into the topflight.
"I've been able to watch her grow as she's come through the Queensland pathway," Brigginshaw told NRL.com.
"There's going to be a time when I do hang up the boots and I can't wait to see her hanging around and playing in that jersey. I'm looking forward to building that combination this year."
Adams opens the scoring
Adams has long been viewed as a future star and has played for the Queensland Under-19 team for the past two years.
Her form for Souths Logan in the BMD Premiership saw her earn selection in the Maroons senior squad for this season's State of Origin triumph.
With Gayle Broughton continuing her recovery from off-season back surgery, Brisbane coach Scott Prince has handed the youngster an NRL debut for Saturday's clash at Suncorp Stadium.
Match: Broncos v Eels
Round 1 -
home Team
Broncos
8th Position
away Team
Eels
3rd Position
Venue: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
While she's still a teenager, Brigginshaw said Adams has all the tools to develop into one of the game's biggest stars.
"Skyla is a great young talent," Brigginshaw said. "She's very confident, which I love, and she can defend. There's nothing better than a half that can defend.
"I'm looking forward to watching her grow, she's super excited and she has a great kicking game.
"I'll be missing Gayle out there but I can't wait to play with Skyla. She's a leader, she's captained her state and we've got a good combination."
While Adams is at the beginning of her journey, Brigginshaw is at the opposite end of the spectrum, having lifted every trophy on offer in the game throughout a decorated career.
One of the pioneers of women's rugby league, the veteran led Brisbane to three NRLW titles, has claimed multiple State of Origin series victories and won the World Cup with the Jillaroos.
NRLW players to watch in 2024: Ali Brigginshaw
At 34 years old, she knows the end is near, but with a home World Cup in 2026, Brigginshaw is confident she has a couple more years left in her before the torch is permanently handed over to Adams.
"Hopefully I'll make it to 2026," Brigginshaw said. "That's the goal, we'll see if we get there.
"The body feels absolutely amazing. I can't wait to see how we go this year, the body feels great, I'm fit and ready to play."
Brigginshaw enters the 2024 NRLW campaign with a renewed fire in her belly as she looks to snap a three-year Broncos title drought.
Brisbane have prided themselves on being the standard bearers in the women's competition, winning the first three titles on offer however they have not contested a decider since completing the three-peat in 2020.
The dip has seen the Knights rise to the top, with Newcastle chasing a three-peat of their own this season.
The Broncos have largely retained the same squad that finished fourth last year, while adding Adams, Maroons forward Keilee Joseph and New Zealand rugby sevens star Stacey Waaka.
Waaka is currently in Paris for the Olympic Games and will join the team at the completion of the competition.
Given the talent in Brisbane, Brigginshaw said there will be no excuses if they fall short of a grand final appearance.
"Every year when we've missed out it's been so disappointing and we spend the rest of the year thinking about what we could've done," she said.
"There's no excuses anymore. We have to put everything into practice. We've trained really hard, we're working on our defence and we can score points. It's now or never and we've got to get back there in the grand final."
