NRLW Round 2, Team of the Week: Queensland teams shine, Dragons half impresses
The two Queensland clubs dominated the NRLW Team of the Week, while a rookie halfback continued her strong start to the season. Check out who starred in Round 2.
NRLW
Don't miss out on the headlines from NRLW. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Both Queensland teams have dominated this week’s NRLW Team of the Week with the Titans and Broncos putting together impressive performances as they both notched up wins in Round 2.
The torrential rain during the Dragons v Eels match limited expansive play but halfback Rachael Pearson stood out with her game management and kicking ability. Meanwhile, several youngsters have again proved the future is bright in the NRLW.
NRLW TEAM OF THE WEEK - ROUND 2
FULLBACK
Tamika Upton (Broncos): For the second-straight week, Upton pierced through opposition defensive lines with her speed and crafty passing game. She was instrumental in Brisbane’s win over Newcastle, finishing with 115m, seven tackle breaks, a try and no missed tackles.
WING
Hagiga Mosby (Broncos): For a player playing in her first NRLW game, Mosby was very impressive. Following an error early in the game, the Torres Strait product finished with 95 run metres, two tackle busts and a try in a sign of things to come from this talented youngster.
Stream every game of every round of the 2022 NRL Telstra Premiership Season Live & Ad-Break Free In Play on Kayo. New to Kayo? Try 14-days free now.
CENTRE
Jayme Fressard (Knights): The 158cm speedster outran the likes of Tamika Upton and Shenae Ciesiolka to score an 80m runaway try against the Broncos on Sunday. A clever dummy fooled Upton while her pace got through an attempted tackle from Tarryn Aiken. Fressard finished the match with 136m, three tackle breaks and 14 tackles.
CENTRE
Shenae Ciesiolka (Broncos): Her combination with Upton on the right side of the field is almost unstoppable. The pair combined to produce one of the tries of the round in Brisbane’s win over Newcastle. Ciesiolka had a try assist, a try, three tackle busts and two linebreaks.
WING
Katelyn Vaha’akolo (Knights): Backed up an impressive Round 1 performance with another great effort against the Broncos. The youngster had 11 carries for 112m with three tackle busts.
FIVE-EIGHTH
Tarryn Aiken (Broncos): It’s hard to go past Broncos five-eighth Aiken who was everywhere in their win over the Knights. Aiken finished the game with 77 run metres – the most of any five-eighth in Round 2 – and one try assist and a linebreak assist.
HALFBACK
Rachael Pearson (Dragons): It’s hard to believe Pearson is a rookie player with her ability to control a game with such a cool, calm and collected persona. The 28-year-old scored all 10 points in their 10-0 win over the Eels and her exceptional kicking game kept the opposition out of any scoring opportunities.
PROP
Millie Boyle (Broncos): An early contender for one of the best players in the game. For the second week in a row, Boyle put in another mammoth performance to finish with 181m, two tackle busts, a linebreak and a try.
HOOKER
Brittany Breayley-Nati (Titans): The veteran proved she’s still got what it takes following her two-try haul in Gold Coast’s historic win over the Roosters. Captain Breayley-Nati was pivotal in their win, popping up in all areas of the field, including in defence with her 26 tackles. Her runs from dummy-half caught the Roosters defence on several occasions.
PROP
Steph Hancock (Titans): Another Gold Coast recruit and veteran of the game, Hancock was impressive as starting prop following her start on the bench last week. Her offloads are dangerous against any opposition, with one leading to Breayley-Nati’s try in the dying minutes of their match.
SECOND ROW
Tazmin Gray (Titans): Gray was almost unstoppable against the Roosters, busting through six tackles and making a linebreak from her 85 run metres. Her try in the 23rd minute when she barged over the Roosters defence proved just how strong she is.
SECOND ROW
Shaylee Bent (Dragons): Finished the match with 109 running metres from 12 carries, Bent was impressive for the Dragons. She also made 29 tackles – the most among her teammates – to hold out the Parramatta side from scoring in their 10-0 win on Sunday.
LOCK
Destiny Brill (Titans): Despite playing at lock, Brill also plays a dummy-half role alongside Breayley-Nati and the tactic is paying dividends. Brill is a handful breaking through five tackles and running for 100m from her 16 carries. She’s also unstoppable in defence, making no missed tackles.
More Coverage
Originally published as NRLW Round 2, Team of the Week: Queensland teams shine, Dragons half impresses
NRLW Tackle: Roosters teen rubbed out of season for hip drop
A second grade-three hip drop charge has been dished out from the weekend’s games, effectively ending the season of Rooster Eliza Lopamaua. Plus, the Broncos have been hit with a major injury blow and more in The NRLW Tackle.
‘Boots on the ground’: Cowboys address Cairns expansion
After months of speculation, the North Queensland Cowboys have outlined their vision to expand the club’s presence in Cairns with a string of multimillion dollar developments on the cards.