NRL Community Rallies Around Ali Brigginshaw Amid Online Abuse
Messages of support are pouring in for rugby league great Ali Brigginshaw after her wife Kate exposed the vile abuse the 35-year-old has been subjected to on social media.
Brigginshaw, a trailblazer in women’s rugby league, has enjoyed an illustrious career with the Brisbane Broncos, Queensland Maroons, and the Jillaroos. Her decorated resume includes NRLW titles, State of Origin triumphs, and World Cup victories. She’s notched up 33 games for the Broncos, 25 Tests for Australia, and 11 Origin appearances—most recently leading Queensland to a series win in 2024.
However, 2025 has proven more difficult for the veteran. After struggling for form and seeing the Maroons lose the Origin shield to NSW in the first two games, Brigginshaw has been moved from the halves to lock for Game 3 in Newcastle. The tactical shift sees Lauren Brown partner Tarryn Aiken in the halves as Queensland aim to restore some pride.
The shift in position comes amid concerns that Brigginshaw may have already played her last Origin match, adding further weight to a difficult period personally and professionally.
Wife Kate Calls Out Hateful Abuse
While Brigginshaw contends with criticism about her on-field performance, it’s the off-field attacks that have shocked many. Her wife Kate publicly addressed the hateful social media messages Ali has been receiving, condemning the abuse as “disgusting” and harmful.
“Mental health affects everyone, especially athletes,” Kate wrote. “Being in the public eye comes with scrutiny, but there’s a difference between fair comment and the revolting messages Ali and our family have received recently.”
She detailed the deeply disturbing nature of the abuse, including messages that were sexist, derogatory, and even encouraged suicide. “Hurling hate online doesn’t reflect poorly on the person you’re targeting—it reflects poorly on you,” Kate added. “People promoting mental health awareness while sending these vile DMs are the height of hypocrisy.”
Kate urged people to pause and consider whether they’d speak the same way to someone they loved, warning of the dangerous impact such abuse can have.
NRL World Shows Support
Brigginshaw was seen in tears following Queensland’s 26–6 loss to NSW in Game 2, a match that sealed the series for the Blues. In the wake of Kate’s heartfelt post, fans and players across the rugby league community voiced their support for Ali.
One fan wrote: “Criticising her game is one thing. Attacking her as a person is completely out of line. Ali has done more for women’s sport than most people commenting ever will. She’s a role model for young girls everywhere.”
Another echoed the sentiment: “Ali Brigginshaw is one of the kindest people you’ll meet. A true Queenslander who deserves respect—not abuse from faceless cowards.”
As the Maroons prepare for Game 3, the rugby league world stands firmly behind Brigginshaw, not just as an athlete, but as a person who has given so much to the sport.
