Olympian, Dally M winner in 'match-up for the ages'

Sunday's NRLW grand final is shaping up to be a cracker, but the battle of the fullbacks will be a show on its own.

Newcastle's electric No.1 Tamika Upton was crowned the best player in the competition at the Dally M awards on Wednesday night.

At Accor Stadium on Sunday she goes head to head with Olympic gold medallist Evania Pelite, who lines up as the custodian for Gold Coast in the decider.

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Pelite won gold at Rio in rugby sevens, before jumping ship to take up rugby league where she has excelled.

Evania Pelite of the Titans is tackled.

The Titans shocked the Roosters last week to book a spot in the grand final, and now Pelite has the chance to win a medal of a different colour.

To do so, though, her team will have to nullify Upton.

"This is a match-up for the ages, this one," league great Ruan Sims told Wide World of Sports.

Watch the 2023 NRLW grand final exclusively live and free on 9Now

"They are both very different but they're both very influential in what they bring to their sides.

"Tamika Upton, she can just cut teams to ribbons. If you present a fractured defensive line to her, if you don't have a very solid and set line and speed she really takes advantage of that really well.

"And Vani out of back field, her yardage carries are huge. Close to the line she's really hard to stop.

"They're built differently, but they both have significant impact on their sides."

League fans will be able to watch Upton or Pelite for the entire game if they wish, thanks to 9Now innovation.

Nine has revealed a brand new exclusive feature for viewers during Sunday's NRLW grand final.

Dedicated player cams are able to be viewed on the 9Now app, with cameras following Upton and Pelite.

Watch the 2023 NRLW grand final exclusively live and free on 9Now

"Nine has every NRLW game of the 2023 season available for free and this NRLW grand final offering on 9Now confirms our investment into continuing to innovate and grow the womens game," director of 9Now and programming, Hamish Turner, said.

"Being able to watch 2023 women's Dally M Medalist Tamika Upton from the Knights, and Olympic gold medalist Evania Pelite from the Titans will give fans the best second screen experience before 9Now showcases Jarome Luai and Reece Walsh for the men's game – exclusively live and free on 9Now."

Sunday's grand final kicks off at 3.55pm, and can be watched during Nine's live and exclusive coverage.

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