The fifth round of the NRL Telstra Women's Premiership produced three quality matches and impressive individual performances across the competition.
The Dragons edged the Roosters in a tight clash that sets up a semi-finals fixture with the Titans at Leichhardt Oval on Sunday.
Gold Coast overcame a gutsy Newcastle outfit who pushed the Titans to the final minutes. Brisbane blew the Eels away 38-12 to wrap up the minor premiership for a fourth straight year.
Here is the NRLW Team of the week!
1. Emma Tonegato (Dragons)
The most in-form player in the competition. Tonegato takes her game to new heights each week with the ball in hand but it was her defensive display against the Roosters that lit up Netstrata Jubilee on Saturday. Tonegato's try-saving tackle on Jess Sergis will be replayed on the highlights reel for years to come.
Tonegato puts in a sterling perfomance
2. Madison Bartlett (Dragons)
A flawless display from the Dragons winger who racked up 117 metres to go with a try and two tackle busts. Her intercept effort during the second half broke the spirits of the Roosters, who had the momentum for most of the contest.
3. Shenae Ciesiolka (Broncos)
A double for the Broncos centre, the first of her NRLW career, along with a try assist and 131 metres earned Ciesiolka team of the week honours for a second time this season.
4. Isabelle Kelly (Roosters)
A dominant individual performance from the NSW and Jillaroos star against the Dragons with a try, three line breaks, 153 metres, six tackle busts and two offloads in a beaten side.
Kelly glides through late
5. Hagiga Mosby (Broncos)
Fast becoming one of the best rookies to emerge from the fourth season of the NRLW. Mosby crossed for yet another try this year on Sunday, taking her tally to four in four games. But it was her skills with the ball and defensive efforts which were on show against a Parramatta right edge that asked questions.
6. Taliah Fuimaono (Dragons)
Without her deputy in Rachael Pearson for the match but it didn't stop the Dragons five-eighth from playing a commanding role in the halves. Set up two tries and pulled off another bone-rattling hit in an overall influential display.
7. Ali Brigginshaw (Broncos)
An influential display on home turf for the Broncos captain who led the way in the middle alongside halves partner Tarryn Aiken. Brigginshaw's first try of the season helped the three-time champions secure the minor premiership while she set up a try and added 99 kick metres with the boot.
8. Millie Boyle (Broncos)
The Broncos prop made a strong return after missing round four due to COVID-19, churning out 238 metres, 104 of which were post-contact, while adding an offload and 17 tackles to her name.
9. Olivia Higgins (Roosters)
A crafty performance from the Roosters rake who earns team of the week honours for the first time this season. Higgins ran for 66 metres and threatened the Dragons defensive line, including a missed try-scoring opportunity in the first half, while churning out 26 tackles in the middle.
Togatuki has power and footwork
10. Sarah Togatuki (Roosters)
After narrowly missing out on team of the week honours in round four, there was no denying Togatuki this week with another standout performance in the middle from the NSW representative. Togatuki scored a try, ran for 155 metres, had four tackle busts and made 23 tackles with a 100% efficiency rate on a strong all-round effort.
11. Kody House (Dragons)
Making the second row spot her own after signing with the Red V late in the pre-season. House has bounced back from a week's suspension of late to provide impact on the left edge for the Dragons. She crossed for a try just after half-time before producing 94 running metres and 31 tackles in the win.
Hall leads the way
12. Amber Hall (Broncos)
A powerhouse performance we've come to expect from the Kiwi international. Hall was at her rampaging best at Suncorp Stadium, charging her way over the line in the second half while racking up 214 metres with four offloads and four tackle busts.
13. Jessika Elliston (Titans)
A dominant display from the Titans forward, who moved to lock when she came off the bench, allowing Destiny Brill to shift to hooker. Elliston crossed for the first try of her NRLW career and ran for 168 metres in a dominant 55-minute display.
