Brief
Broncos hooker Jada Ferguson credits Tarryn Aiken for NRLW comeback
Ferguson, once out of the game, returned after Aiken’s encouragement and now aims to help the Broncos win the Grand Final.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Brisbane Broncos hooker Jada Ferguson told the SMH that Queensland Maroons star Tarryn Aiken persuaded her to return to rugby league, a move that has helped the Broncos reach the NRLW Grand Final.
What happened
Ferguson grew up in Toowoomba and stopped playing after the under‑12 level because her hometown offered no pathways for girls. She later tried rugby sevens before moving to the Gold Coast for university at 18, where she played touch football with Aiken. After Aiken urged her to “come to league”, Ferguson entered the NRLW, made the under‑19 State of Origin side in her first year, and was selected for the Broncos squad.
What the report adds
The article notes that Ferguson finished third in dummy‑half runs in 2026 with 52 runs and has been equal‑first across the previous three seasons with 148 runs. It also mentions her and Aiken represented Queensland together in the 2025 State of Origin series, which Queensland lost. Ferguson’s touch‑football background is highlighted as influencing her playing style.
What was said
Ferguson laughed when asked if she would help the Broncos win a second premiership, replying, “Exactly,” and adding, “She’s had a big impact on getting me over to rugby league, so it’s exciting to verse her and hopefully beat them.” She described Aiken as a “good mentor as well as a player” whose “eyes‑up footy is unreal … she can make and break a game, she pulls off stuff that is pretty freakish.”
How it came about
Ferguson’s return to league was sparked by a personal appeal from Aiken, who will line up against her for the Sydney Roosters in the Grand Final. The Broncos, seeking a second consecutive title, rely on players like Ferguson, who scored in last year’s decider, and Aiken, the former halfback who helped the club win the 2019 and 2020 premierships.
Key facts
- Jada Ferguson quit rugby league after under‑12s due to lack of local opportunities. (smh.com.au)
- Tarryn Aiken persuaded Ferguson to return to league when they played touch together. (smh.com.au)
- Ferguson finished third in dummy‑half runs in 2026 with 52 runs. (smh.com.au)
- Both Ferguson and Aiken played for Queensland in the 2025 State of Origin series. (smh.com.au)
- Ferguson aims to help the Broncos win a second NRLW premiership in the upcoming Grand Final. (smh.com.au)
Sources
- [1] smh.com.au — originally reported as “NRLW Grand Final: How Sydney Roosters star Tarryn Aiken inspired lethal Brisbane Broncos spine”
