Wests Tigers too good for the Bulldogs on the Gold Coast

Wests Tigers have recorded three-consecutive victories over Canterbury-Bankstown for the first time in the club’s history with a 28-16 win on Sunday afternoon.

Playing on the Gold Coast for the first time in four years, Wests Tigers scored four tries to three to claim victory — keeping their finals hopes alive.

The Wests Tigers playmakers were impressive throughout the afternoon as Luke Brooks, Adam Doueihi and Moses Mbye all recorded try assists.

International winger Ken Maumalo also had an afternoon to remember as he scored two tries and recorded 122 metres, a line-break and four tackle-breaks.

Young prop Stefano Utoikamanu was impressive throughout the game at Cbus Super Stadium as he notched 145 running metres — including 61 post-contact — 36 tackles and five tackle-breaks in a 63-minute effort. 

The victory keeps Michael Maguire’s men within two wins of the top eight with four rounds remaining in the regular season.

On a fast track, Wests Tigers raced out of the blocks with slick attacking flair — and they managed to score the game’s opening try within four minutes when Jacob Liddle linked up with Luciano Leilua, who crashed over for a 6-0 lead.

The Bulldogs, however, had similar plans as they bounced back with some attacking skills of their own as Nick Meaney made a break, passed to Jake Averillo, who returned the ball back to his fullback to score.

Playing at fullback in the absence of Daine Laurie, Mbye looked busy in attack and he assisted Maumalo with a beautiful cut-out ball for the third try of the afternoon — giving Wests Tigers a 12-6 lead after 23 minutes.

On the ensuing set, Luke Brooks produced a 40/20 to put his side back on the attack, however the halfback came up with a forward pass moments later.

Brooks and Maumalo were back in the action with the playmaker placing a delicate cross-field kick towards his winger, who flew high to collect the ball and score as Wests Tigers extended their lead to 12 points with nine minutes until half-time.

The Bulldogs were last to score before the break as Corey Waddell made his way to the line to reduce the deficit to 18-12 after 40 minutes.

Doueihi gave Wests Tigers an eight-point lead after the break when he slotted a straightforward penalty goal.

The five-eighth then assisted Tommy Talau for a try with a lovely chip kick towards the centre, who leaped above Bulldogs defenders to gather the ball and score for a 26-12 advantage.

Trent Barrett’s men hit back when Will Hopoate linked up with winger Corey Allan to close the margin to 10 points with 15 minutes remaining.

Doueihi landed another penalty goal with five minutes remaining to confirm the result for his side. 

Wests Tigers will be aiming for consecutive wins when they face North Queensland next Saturday evening.

Wests Tigers 26 (Maumalo 2, Leilua, Talau tries; Doueihi 6/6 goals) def. Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs 16 (Meaney, Waddell, Allan tries; Averillo 2/3 goals) at Cbus Super Stadium.