NRLW Team of the Week: Round 5

We're at the halfway point of the NRL Telstra Women's Premiership season with the Knights and Roosters looking strong after a 4-1 start while the Eels remain winless after five rounds.

• NRLW Round 5 Wrap-up
• NRLW Casualty Ward

Some usual big names stepped up for their sides in Round 5 while a host of rookies put their hand up for higher honours following impressive performances.

NRLW Team of the Week: Round 5

1. Tamika Upton (Knights)

Put simply, the Knights don't beat the Broncos on Sunday without her. Upton was at her brilliant best on both sides of the ball, coming up a couple of linebreaks off a scrum before repelling two raids from the opposition throughout the match. The Queensland No.1 finished with 260 metres, nine tackle busts and a try assist.

2. Shakiah Tungai (Raiders)

Looked a constant threat on the right edge with two linebreaks before going over for her side's fourth try of the afternoon. Racked up 88 metres from nine carries and provided a try assist. 

3. Tiana Penitani (Sharks)

A captain's knock from the NSW representative with 196 metres, including 80 post-contact, to go with two offloads and eight tackles as the Sharks racked up a monster victory over the Cowboys.

4. Shanice Parker (Knights)

Came up with two crucial tries in the second half, her first NRLW double, including an individual effort in the 57th minute to get the Knights back in the game. Finished with 124 metres with eight tackle busts and kept opposite number Mele Hufanga relatively quiet.

5. Shenai Lendill (Dragons)

Has moved to the forwards recently but back on the wing and produced one of her better efforts in the NRLW with 215 metres, four tackle busts and two offloads to help her side get on the front foot.

6. Tarryn Aiken (Roosters)

A dominant performance from the Jillaroos star with two try assists, three linebreak assists and an individual try of the year nomination when she chipped over Evania Pelite's head for herself.

7. Ali Brigginshaw (Broncos)

Did everything possible to get her side over the line with a try, two goals, two linebreaks, seven tackle busts, 18 tackles and 285 kick metres in a performance that looked match-winning until a late Knights try stole the show.

8. Shannon Mato (Titans)

Got through a mountain of work in a beaten side with 202 metres from 22 carries and produced a linebreak assist, two offloads and 21 tackles to go with her efforts.

9. Quincy Dodd (Sharks)

Led the way through the middle for Cronulla with a try, two linebreak assists and a try assist to go with two tackle busts and 19 tackles.

10. Ellie Johnston (Sharks)

A barnstorming performance from the Cronulla prop who scored the side's opening try, ran for 159 metres with five tackle busts and 17 tackles. 

11. Otesa Pule (Roosters)

Starred on the edge for the Tricolours with a try, 102 metres, two linebreaks and seven tackle busts. Added 17 tackles in a 55-minute performance from the Kiwi Ferns forward.

12. Yasmin Clydsdale (Knights)

Another reliable performance from the Jillaroos back-rower with a try assist, 11 carries of the footy (100 metres), 27 tackles, two tackle busts and a crucial one-on-one steal that swung momentum.

13. Alexis Tauaneai (Dragons)

The Dragons forward is quickly becoming a hot favourite for rookie of the year honours after another consistent performance in the middle for the Red V. Tauaneai was instrumental in her side's win over the Wests Tigers with 21 runs for 200 metres, 100 of which were post-contact, to go with five tackle busts and 33 tackles.

14. Jada Taylor (Sharks)

Has missed the past few weeks with an ankle injury but didn't miss a beat against the Cowboys with her light-footed stepping on show for a try before setting up another and racking up four tackle busts and two offloads.

15. Mariah Denman (Broncos)

Instrumental in defeat with 21 carries producing 239 metres to go with three linebreaks, nine tackle busts and 28 tackles.

16. Jakiya Whitfeld (Wests Tigers)

Another big performance from the winger with 209 metres, 12 tackle busts, three linebreaks and 10 tackles. 

17. Cassey Tohi-Hiku (Eels)

One of Parramatta's best as they edge closer to their first victory in the NRLW. Scored a try through some smart thinking on the right edge in the second half before producing 135 metres with three tackle busts and an offload.