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 season. 

• NRLW Round 1 Wrap-up

A host of familiar names stood up for their sides while a few fresh faces emerged in week one of the competition. 

Here is the NRLW team of the week!

1. Botille Vette-Welsh (Eels)

Parramatta's custodian was at her influential best to pip a classy field of fullbacks for team of the week honours in round one. Vette-Welsh finished the side's 13-12 win with two line breaks, a try assist and 178 metres.

2. Teagan Berry (Dragons)

Young gun Teagan Berry added a further two tries to her tally to start her campaign with a classy finish in the first half before a sneaky effort in the second to ensure the Dragons secured the win.

3. Jessica Sergis (Roosters)

Roosters recruit Jess Sergis got her career in the red, white and blue off to a solid start with the Jillaroos star recording 133 metres, two offloads and three tackle busts for her side in an allrounder display.

4. Tiana Penitani (Eels)

Despite a couple of missed opportunities, Eels centre Tiana Penitani was among the best on ground for the blue and gold, linking with Bo Vette-Welsh for the club's first-ever NRLW try. She was busy with the ball, finishing with 134 metres and four tackle busts.

5. Emily Bass (Broncos)

One of five players to score a try on debut in round one with the Broncos winger taking just three minutes to finish off a slick Tamika Upton pass out wide. Bass crossed for a second after half-time with a classy move on the right edge and was defensively sound throughout the contest.

6. Tarryn Aiken (Broncos)

Livewire five-eighth Tarryn Aiken was at her weaving best with 15 carries and over 140 kick metres for the side on their way to a 20-4 win.

7. Rachael Pearson (Dragons)

A win on debut and performance to saviour for Dragons rookie Rachael Pearson with the halfback among the best on the ground across all three NRLW matches. Pearson was influential with 260 kick metres while a sideline conversion proved crucial towards the end of the match.

8. Millie Boyle (Broncos)

A record-breaking performance from the Broncos prop who ran for 223 metres – the most ever by a forward in the NRLW – in just 57 minutes. Not even a busted chin could keep Boyle out of action with the NSW representative diving over for her first try of the season in the second half.

9. Keeley Davis (Dragons)

It was a busy effort from Keeley Davis, who moved to a middle and first receiver role throughout the opening round and on a few occasions took the hit-up for her side to finish with 16 carries. Davis topped the tackle count alongside fellow hooker Quincy Dodd with 21.

10. Phoebe Desmond (Knights)

Singleton local Phoebe Desmond was among the best in a beaten line-up for the Knights with a barnstorming effort in the second half before finishing the game with 107 metres and three tackle busts off the bench.

11. Olivia Kernick (Roosters)

Another young gun on NRLW debut, Kernick couldn't have had a better start to her own career despite her side's loss with the Maori All Stars representative finishing the game with a try and 42 tackles.

12. Amber Hall (Broncos)

Broncos star Amber Hall was her dominant self with 107 metres, 24 tackles, four tackle busts and four offloads as she continues to stamp herself as one of the best forwards in the game.

13. Simaima Taufa (Eels)

A captain's knock from the Eels forward with over 170 metres, 44 tackles and a try in a 70-minute performance to applaud.

 

 

Get your tickets for round 2 of the NRL Telstra Women's Premiership. Ticket prices start at just $12 for adults, and juniors under 15 can redeem a free general admission ticket with any paying adult. Visit nrl.com/tickets