NRLW Team of the Week: Round 7
There are just two rounds left in the NRL Telstra Women's Premiership and the stakes have never been higher as the race is on for a prized top four finish.
With seasons on the line, and home final spots up for grabs, Round 7 saw some stellar individual performances from both rising rookies and top-line stars.
NRLW Team of the Week: Round 7
1. Tamika Upton (Knights)
Another first-class performance from the Maroons representative with 226 run metres to go with seven tackle busts, helping the Knights make it five straight against the Raiders on Saturday.
2. Maddison Bartlett (Raiders)
A huge 70-minute effort from the Raiders winger with two more tries taking her tally to five for the season. Bartlett's double had the Raiders in front by ten points at half time before the Knights swung momentum late in the game.
3. Shenai Lendill (Dragons)
The rookie centre had a day out in Townsville, churning out 110 run metres and crossing for her side's final try as the Dragons orchestrated a big win against the Cowboys.
4. Mackenzie Wiki (Raiders)
A powerhouse performance from the Raiders rookie who seems to be growing in confidence each week. Wiki racked up run metres and two line breaks in her 57-minute stint at centre. Her afternoon was cut short due to a head knock but the 21-year-old still ran further than any other player on the field in the Round 7 match.
The top 10 plays from Round 7, 2023
5. Karina Brown (Titans)
Dangerous as ever on the edge for the Gold Coast, Brown produced 159 metres from 16 carries in her side's crucial win over the Wests Tigers. The Jillaroos veteran provided plenty of extra punch for the Titans, with 80 of her metres coming from some momentum shifting darts from dummy half.
6. Tarryn Aiken (Roosters)
Another attacking masterclass from the Jillaroos five-eighth with 163 run metres and six tackle breaks haunting the Eels defence as the Roosters orchestrated another statement victory.
7. Jesse Southwell (Knights)
The New South Wales halfback had another day out in the No. 7 jersey with a try, an assist and 305 kick metres turning the Raiders around and igniting Newcastle's comeback win.
Southwell supreme in win
8. Shannon Mato (Titans)
Another Titan who led the way in their side's win over the Wests Tigers with the Jillaroos forward churning out a round-high 286 run metres and 26 tackles in a 55-minute performance at prop.
9. Destiny Brill (Broncos)
The Maroons hooker was at her scheming best in the Broncos narrow victory over the Sharks, running for 106 metres from nine carries with two tackle busts and 22 tackles.
10. Angelina Teakaraanga-Katoa (Dragons)
The 21-year-old Kiwi prop lead the way through the middle for Jamie Soward's side with another 206 metres from 14 hit ups in her 47-minute stint at prop.
11. Ella Koster (Dragons)
Another Dragon rewarded for their record-breaking win over the Cowboys with the Steelers junior finishing the match with 117 run metres from 11 carries, 17 tackles and a try.
12. Otesa Pule (Roosters)
Another monster performance from the up-and-coming backrower who scored a double and had two linebreaks in the Roosters' big win over the Eels.
13. Georgia Hale (Titans)
The Kiwi international lead from the front in the Titan's Round 7 victory with a round-high 49 tackles and 136 run metres to go with her opening try.
All Hale Georgia
14. Keeley Davis (Roosters)
Another solid performance from the New South Wales hooker who was immense for the Roosters both in attack and defence, getting through 31 tackles and scoring her second try of the season.
15. Gayle Broughton (Broncos)
Broughton was the star for the Broncos, with another dominant performance in the halves alongside Ali Brigginshaw. The rugby union convert produced one of her best attacking performances, taking on the line on several occasions and was rewarded with two tries and an assist.
16. Annetta Nu’uausala (Broncos)
The veteran prop was immense in her 44-minute stint at prop, covering more distance than any other Bronco with 143 run metres from 15 hit ups.
17. Emma Tonegato (Sharks)
Despite a head knock scare in the second half, Tonegato was the shining light in a beaten side on Saturday. The five-eighth set up a blockbuster finish with a superb 70-metre try and ran for 175 metres in her side's narrow loss to the Broncos.
