NRLW Team of the Week: Finals Week 1

The Eels stunned the previously undefeated Roosters to book a place in the Grand Final, while the Knights qualified through to their first-ever decider as well with a comprehensive win over the Dragons. 

While some of the NRLW's biggest names stole the show, a couple of young stars performed admirably in their first finals match as well.

Here is the NRLW Team of the Week for Finals Week 1. 

1. Tamika Upton (Knights)

After a couple of weeks off with a calf injury, Upton returned in style on Sunday with a two-try showing which helped lift the Knights to a comfortable win. Popped up in the perfect spot for her first try and then showed her individual brilliance on the second one, taking the ball from 25 metres out and carving through the defence.

2. Teagan Berry (Dragons)

Showed great skill to tip the ball up from a Newcastle pass and turn it into an intercept try. Looked the most likely attacking option for the Dragons and worked hard to get involved. 

3. Abbi Church (Eels)

Had big shoes to fill as the replacement for co-captain and rep star Tiana Penitani in the centres and did a great job. Showed a nice bit of footwork to weave through for her try. Had four tackle breaks and over 100 run metres.

4. Shanice Parker (Knights)

A strong defensive game on her edge, making 12 tackles without a miss. Showed nice hands to set up the final try of the game.

5. Cassey Tohi-Hiku (Eels)

Helped nullify the threat of the Roosters’ left edge and went looking for work, putting her hand up for 11 carries.

6. Kirra Dibb (Knights)

Accounted for 14 of her side’s 30 points on the day, with a try to go with her five conversions. Her experience and game awareness was on full display during her try, as she caught the retreating defence napping with a clever run from dummy-half.  

7. Tayla Preston (Eels)

Chased hard to get the ball down for her try early in the second half. Set up her side’s last try with a bomb to space and on the whole kicked well in general play.

8. Millie Boyle (Knights)

A monster game from the NRLW’s most dominant middle forward. Quite literally threw defenders out of her way en route to a stunning try which saw her beat four would-be tacklers. Put her hand up for 22 carries which she turned into 233 metres.

9. Brooke Anderson (Eels)

Directed her side around the park well from the bottom of the ruck. Laid on a try to cap off a solid game.

10. Kennedy Cherrington (Eels)

After again being a late addition to the starting side, her energy was huge for Parra in the middle of the park. Had 22 carries for a game-high 214 metres and was a standout in defence too with 26 tackles.

11. Romy Teitzel (Knights)

Her offload to help put Kiana Takairangi away for the last try of the game was a thing of beauty. An assured performance on her side of the field, playing the full 70 minutes and making 19 tackles.

12. Yasmin Clydsdale (Knights)

Had a productive day with ball in hand, racking up 139 run metres from 12 carries. Didn’t shirk her work in defence either, making 22 tackles on her edge.

13. Holli Wheeler (Dragons)

Worked hard in the middle of the park, making 35 tackles and coming up with 16 carries. Played the full 70 minutes and did her best against a dominant Knights pack.

14. Ash Quinlan (Eels)

Sold the Roosters a dummy and then stepped back in field nicely for the first try of the game. Kept the defence honest with seven runs at the line.

15. Caitlan Johnston (Knights)

Part of a dominant propping unit alongside Millie Boyle, Johnston continued her brilliant 2022 season with another game full of hard running. Came up with a nice offload in the lead up to Kiana Takairangi’s try.

16. Ellie Johnston (Eels)

Set the tone in the middle with her tough carries. Broke five tackles on her way to 131 run metres.

17. Sarah Togatuki (Roosters)

While the game was over by the time she scored it, her late try was excellent as she busted through the line and beat repeated tackle attempts from Eels players. Had six tackle busts in a powerful display.