Newcastle has pulled off a massive recruitment coup by signing star Broncos duo Tamika Upton and Millie Boyle for the 2022 NRLW season.  

The two had previously spent their entire NRLW careers with Brisbane, where they both played key roles in establishing the Broncos' domination of the competition's early years. 

But they will now ply their trade in the Hunter, giving the Knights — who were winless wooden spooners in the rescheduled 2021 season earlier this year — the boost they need to challenge the competition's big guns. 

Boyle is universally regarded as the top forward in the NRLW with her incredible work rate and athleticism in the middle of the field earning her joint Dally M player of the year honours alongside Dragons fullback Emma Tonegato in April. 

"I couldn't be more excited to arrive in Newcastle and experience what it's like to run out in a Knights jersey," Boyle said.

"Everyone knows how passionate this town is about footy and all of the NRLW girls experienced that in round one of the season just finished."

"The team the Knights are building will be very competitive … there's a good mix of experienced players and really exciting young talent coming through. The season can't come soon enough."

Upton, a regular for Queensland's Origin side in recent years, is known for her scorching sidestep and blistering pace.

With seven tries in 11 matches for the Broncos, she's the second-highest try scorer in the competition's history. 

"First and foremost, I'm coming to Newcastle to get better," said Upton.

"Everyone I have met here on both the women's and men's sides are invested in ensuring this team becomes a success and I'm looking forward to playing a small part in that."

The Knights failed to win a game in their debut NRLW season but will become instant finals contenders now Boyle and Upton are in the Hunter.

Their move also casts doubt over Brisbane's ability to bounce back from their shock preliminary final defeat to the eventual grand final-winning Roosters, which resulted in the premiership trophy leaving Queensland for the first time.

The 2022 NRLW season is expected to kick off in August with pre-season to commence in the coming months.