Around the Grounds: Round 16

Leichhardt Oval was set to host all three grades across Round 16, however due to restriction surrounding COVID-19, only the NRL match went ahead — behind closed doors.

Meanwhile the NSWRL announced changes to its major competition with the NSW Cup and Jersey Flegg put on hold, while the Women’s competition has been revised — ending Wests Tigers’ season.

NRL Telstra Premiership

Wests Tigers and South Sydney battled it out for the Beyond Blue Cup on a beautiful afternoon at Leichardt Oval — but it was the Rabbitohs who emerged victorious following 80 minutes.

The visitors scored five unanswered tries in the first half to lead 26-0 at the break before Wests Tigers put up a fight in the second half to save face in Round 16.

Adam Doueihi bagged a double, Daine Laurie found the line, while David Nofoaluma ran 90 metres off an intercept to score.

Coach Michael Maguire shared his frustrations following his side’s loss on Sunday afternoon.

"I need to find men who are accountable for what we are doing. It's not acceptable for where we are going as a club," Maguire said.

"Our start looked like a training run for Souths. It was very disappointing to see us start like that.”

South Sydney Rabbitohs 38 (Johnston 2, Graham 2, Milne, Walker, Murray tries; Reynolds 5/8 goals) def. Wests Tigers 22 (Doueihi 2, Laurie, Nofoaluma tries; Doueihi 3/4 goals) at Leichhardt Oval.

Knock-On Effect NSW Cup

Reserve grade has been put on hold for a fortnight due to restrictions surrounding COVID-19.

Western Suburbs Magpies were scheduled to face the Rabbitohs in Round 16, while they have the bye this coming weekend.

The Magpies sit third on the ladder with nine wins and four losses — and they’ll be eager for a strong run to the finals.

Jersey Flegg

The U/21s competition has also been suspended for a couple of weeks with no games being played in Round 16 and 17.

Wests Tigers matches against South Sydney Rabbitohs and Sydney Roosters have been deemed as draws with the competition points split.

Wayne Lambkin’s men still remain undefeated and on top of the ladder with 26 competition points — two ahead of the second-placed Dragons.

Harvey Norman Women’s NSW Premiership

Wests Tigers’ run in the Harvey Norman NSW Women’s Premiership came to an end this week after the NSWRL made the decision to reduce the finals series from six teams to four due to rescheduling around COVID-19 disruptions.

Although it’s not an ideal way to finish the season and it’s a disappointing result for the club, Wests Tigers would like to congratulate all the players for a successful season that saw the Women’s team finish inside the top six with six wins and five losses.

The side enjoyed a number of comprehensive victories throughout the season, including three wins by 46 points or more.

The competition will recommence on 17th July with a top four finals series, featuring Central Coast Roosters, Helensburgh Tigers, Mounties and Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks.