NRLW Team of the Week: Round 1
The opening round of the NRL Telstra Women's Premiership delivered some stellar individual performances and remarkable results to kick off the 2023 season.
A host of familiar names stood up despite most switching clubs in the off-season, while a few fresh faces emerged in week one of the competition to fly onto the radar.
NRLW Team of the Week: Round 1
1. Evania Pelite (Titans)
Easily the player of the round, Pelite broke the record for most tackle busts in a match with 16 plus had 246 metres and two linebreaks to go with a decisive try in the Queensland derby. Earned maximum Dally M points for her efforts.
2. Sheridan Gallagher (Knights)
The former Young Matildas captain earns a spot on the wing after playing just her fourth game of rugby league. Got through some work with 11 carries and came up with a couple of big plays on the edge.
3. Leianne Tufuga (Wests Tigers)
A club debut to remember for the winger-turned-centre, who scored a double and had five linebreaks in Wests Tigers' big win over the Eels. Tufuga was an underrated winger at the Roosters but her move to the centres will bring her even closer to the action in 2023.
Sergis grabs two
4. Jessica Sergis (Roosters)
Another player who polled maximum Dally M votes for the round, joining her Jillaroos teammate Evania Pelite. They're performances we're used to with Sergis - two tries, an assist, 170 metres, three linebreaks and seven tackle busts - in a huge warning for her opponents in the coming weeks.
5. Madison Bartlett (Raiders)
Crossed for the Raiders' first-ever try in the NRLW and got through a mountain of work through the middle with 14 carries (149 metres), two tries, three linebreaks and five tackle busts. She also regained the lead for the NRLW's all-time list.
6. Emma Tonegato (Sharks)
Many questioned whether she could make the move to five-eighth and early indications are Emma Tonegato can. She crossed for the side's first Sharks try and had a hand in two more plus kept up her runs with 15 in total.
7. Ali Brigginshaw (Broncos)
The Broncos captain stepped up against the Roosters in a high-quality match, including producing one of the tries of the opening round with a chip and chase to the line. Another try assist for Tazmin Gray and Brigginshaw showed her class again in a beaten side.
8. Sarah Togatuki (Wests Tigers)
Her best performance in the NRLW since her Karyn Murphy medal winning effort in the 2021 grand final. Togatuki was the difference in the second half when the game was on a knife's edge and ended with 240 metres, nine tackle busts and a crucial try to put the side in front after half-time.
Ali Brigginshaw try 33rd minute
9. Quincy Dodd (Sharks)
A two-try effort from the local Sharks product, plus four tackle busts and 26 tackles from Quincy Dodd helped her new side to a big win over the Raiders on Sunday. Dodd got the side playing direct before they shifted out wide and looks set to relish the opportunity to start every week after playing second fiddle behind Keeley Davis at the Dragons previously.
10. Millie Boyle (Roosters)
Just a casual 224 metres in 55 minutes for the Roosters recruit to kick off her career at Bondi in an effort that included 20 carries, a try, two linebreaks and eight tackle busts. Easily the most influential forward in the game with a heavy motor.
11. Shaniah Power (Cowboys)
One of the best performers for the new Cowboys side with two linebreaks and 156 metres. Should've set up a try in the second half but opted not to pass close to the line. Overall she troubled her former club with 11 tackle busts.
The Titans and Cowboys brought the hits in NRLW Round 1
12. Yasmin Clydsdale (Knights)
Ran a good line to score her first of the season and was immense the whole afternoon for the Knights both in attack and defensively, racking up over 115 metres with the ball.
13. Ellie Johnston (Sharks)
A big performance from the Sharks recruit with a try, five tackle busts and 162 metres in 51 minutes on the field after switching clubs from Parramatta in the off-season.
14. Ebony Prior (Wests Tigers)
A nomination for rookie of the week with Prior's darts out of dummy half causing havoc on NRLW debut in a performance that now sets a standard. Prior ran for 116 metres from nine runs and made 23 tackles in an influential performance.
15. Teagan Berry (Dragons)
One of the players of the round in a beaten side. The move to fullback already looks like a strong one for Teagan Berry after she crossed against the Knights twice and racked up 269 metres.
16. Botille Vette-Welsh (Wests Tigers)
A masterclass return for the Wests Tigers co-captain which included four try assists as she toyed with the Eels defence, particularly in the second half, to cause havoc on her old side.
17. Shannon Mato (Titans)
A strong effort up front from the Jillaroos forward, setting the tone for the Titans with 156 metres and 23 tackles in a 54-minute effort.
A blockbuster Round 2 of NRLW action awaits this weekend including on Sunday, July 30, with a double-header at Belmore Sports Ground. The Cowboys clash against Newcastle before Wests Tigers take on Cronulla. Get your tickets at NRL.com/tickets.
