Broncos skipper steps down, opens up on Tallis furore
Joel Gould |
Brisbane legend Ali Brigginshaw has revealed why she stepped down as captain and addressed the hubbub surrounding the meeting room that was controversially renamed after her.
The 36-year-old will line up in her last season in the NRLW as a player only after making the call to relinquish the captaincy on Wednesday.
The Jillaroos and Queensland great has led the Broncos to four NRLW titles in her 56-game career.
“I’ve made the decision to step down as captain in my final year,” Brigginshaw said.
“I’ve been thinking about it for the last couple of months and I feel like the time is right. I’ve done so many amazing things here, but there’s a next group of leaders that I want to see come through, and I want to be able to support them in my last year.
“For me, captaincy has been a huge part of my life, but there’s also a part of me that wants to have a bit of fun and release the pressure a little bit.”
Brigginshaw said she was still the same person and would continue to do her best to mentor the established and emerging leaders.
“I’m looking forward to supporting the next group,” she said.
“There are young leaders coming through, but we also have some of the best leaders in the game … the likes of Tamika Upton, Chelsea Lenarduzzi and Romy Teitzel.”
Brigginshaw had a meeting room at Broncos HQ renamed in her honour.
The room was previously named after former captain and three-time premiership winner Gorden Tallis.
However, Tallis and the Broncos hierarchy had a falling-out over his criticism of the club.
“I’ve been here a very long time and I’ve worked in the community the whole time I’ve been here, so I believe I deserve what that room represents,” Brigginshaw said.
“I spoke to (CEO) Dave Donaghy about it and he congratulated me on what I’ve been able to do. I’m a one-club player and I’m proud to say that. I’m very loyal to this club and always will be.
“There was nothing between me and Gordie. Dave just thought I was the right fit moving forward, and as a female player I think we deserve a room here.”
Brigginshaw also opened up on the vile social media abuse she and her family copped during last year’s State of Origin series after Queensland lost the opening two matches.
“It was tough, but I know I have a really good support system and I had to rely on that support,” she said as the Broncos men unveiled their mental health round jersey.
“I probably let myself get too caught up in the social media side of it. Unfortunately, that comes with the captaincy role and you often become the target.
“But I got through it, and one thing rugby league has taught me is resilience and how to overcome challenges.
“The men and women who play for the Broncos face a lot of criticism, but the support this club gives us is what makes it such a great place.”
AAP