Broncos and Maroons skipper Ali Brigginshaw confirms she will hang up the boots at end of 2026
Updated . First published at
Brisbane Broncos and Queensland Maroons captain Ali Brigginshaw has confirmed she will hang up her footy boots at the end of the 2026 season.
Speculation around Brigginshaw's future has rife in recent months, with many believing she would make the call on her representative future after the 2025 State of Origin.
At the end of the series, the league's first 50-gamer confirmed she still had the desire to continue playing on at both a club and representative level.
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On Thursday night, Brigginshaw confirmed that she inked a one-year extension with the Broncos - but also revealed it will be the final year of her storied rugby league career.
Ali Brigginshaw of the Maroons reacts. Getty
"I have decided that next year will be my last year," she told Fox League.
"I've extended until next year, which I am really excited about.
"The whole goal about playing for another year is to win a premiership. That is my sole focus but I have decided that 2026 will be my last.
Watch the 2025 NRLW premiership live and free on Nine and 9Now.
"I would like to finish on a high, but for me, just going out there and playing with the girls, having a little bit of fun, and just enjoying my footy.
"I'm enjoying it more than ever and the body is great.
"I'm excited to go on for an extra year."
Ali Brigginshaw Getty
It marks the end of the road for one of the game's most influential figures, having been given the title of team captain at club and representative levels.
In 2020, Brigginshaw was named as the Dally M Medal winner after achieving her third consecutive grand final victory with the Broncos.
She has represented the Jillaroos at three World Cups.
