NRLW Team of the Week: Round 8
There's just one round to go and everything is on the line this week with prized top-four spots and home finals advantage up for grabs.
While some teams will be playing for pride and look to end a disappointing season on a positive note, others will be fighting desperately to keep their 2023 season alive.
NRLW Team of the Week: Round 8
1. Tamika Upton (Knights)
No matter how well the other fullbacks of the competition play, Tamika Upton is consistently a class above and will hold onto the fullback position for another week. The elusive No. 1 was instrumental in her side's statement victory over the Roosters, scoring two crucial tries to go with her 267 run metres.
2. Shakiah Tungai (Raiders)
Got through a mountain of work on the Raiders’ right edge with 204 run metres and three tackle breaks as her side orchestrated a big win over the Cowboys.
3. Tiana Penitani (Sharks)
A big performance from the NSW representative with a try, 19 carries (193 metres) and four tackle breaks. The Sharks skipper got her side out of jail in the second half with a crucial try and several momentum shifting tackles.
Jaime Chapman gets three on the Gold Coast
4. Jaime Chapman (Titans)
The Jillaroos representative had a day out in the No. 3 jersey, claiming the first ever Titans NRLW hattrick and producing a game-high 207 run metres and three linebreaks.
5. Cassie Staples (Sharks)
Crossed for a try in the 66th minute which secured the win for her side and got through plenty of work which included a game-high nine tackle breaks. The 30-year-old Cronulla winger took her game to another level in just her fifth NRLW appearance.
6. Zahara Temara (Raiders)
The Maroons five-eighth was a class above at Cbus Super Stadium on Sunday with a try, two assists and two linebreaks.
7. Jesse Southwell (Knights)
Southwell is pushing closer to a Jillaroos jersey after another clinical performance at halfback on Sunday. The 18-year-old steered the ship for the Knights on Sunday, with her seven tackle breaks and 312 run metres turning the Roosters around all game at McDonald Jones Stadium.
8. Caitlan Johnston (Knights)
Another powerhouse performance from the front rower, who set the tone in the Knights big win over the Roosters. Churning out 165 run metres off 16 carries, Johnston is a big reason why the Knights are top-of-the-table with one round to play.
9. Destiny Brill (Broncos)
Topped the tackle count for the game with 38 and got the Broncos motoring through the middle with a try, an assist and 113 run metres from 11 carries in another 70-minute performance at dummy half.
10. Brianna Clark (Broncos)
Set the tone again for her side with a crucial try, another 157 run metres, four tackle breaks and 29 tackles.
11. Yasmin Clydsdale (Knights)
A dominant performance on the edge for the NSW and Jillaroos representative with a casual 207 run metres off 18 carries, four tackle breaks and 22 tackles.
Clydsdale turns provider
12. Kezie Apps (Wests Tigers)
The veteran backrower is scoring tries for fun, having crossed the line in five of her past six matches for the Wests Tigers. With 124 run metres, three tackle breaks and 22 tackles in another big display for the Wests Tigers on Saturday.
13. Holli Wheeler (Sharks)
A workhorse performance from the Jillaroos forward who racked up a game-high 39 tackles and ignited the Sharks go forward with 105 run metres - 54 of which were post contact.
14. Emma Tonegato (Sharks)
The Cronulla speedster has retained her spot on the bench after another day out in the No. 6 jersey. Tonegato opened the game up with two crucial line breaks and kept up her strong running game in the halves, finishing the match with 178 run metres.
15. Apii Nicholls (Raiders)
Nicholls had an all-round performance on Sunday. While the elusive fullback is consistently spearheading the Raiders' attack with tackle breaks and kick returns, the Kiwi international came up with several crucial try savers and turned provider for Zahara Temara in the first-half.
16. Chantay Kiria-Ratu (Titans)
The Queensland Under 19s star went to another level for the Titans on Saturday, fooling the Eels defence with two early tries, an assist and 168 kick metres.
17. Rikeya Horne (Wests Tigers)
A shining light in a losing side, the 23-year-old racked up 197 run metres and broke eight tackles in another strong performance at centre.
