2005: 20 Years On - Part 1

The 2005 NRL Premiership victory is one of the most remarkable in recent memory.

Captained by the mercurial Scott Prince, a team of youngsters such as Robbie Farah, Chris Heighington and the incomparable Benji Marshall, joined veterans from our club’s foundation sides, like John Skandalis, Mark O’Neill and Ben Galea to triumph over the Cowboys on that famous October night.

Over the next few weeks, we’ll take a look back at the side’s road to the title, alongside some highlights, photos and match information from that unforgettable season.

ROUND 1 vs EELS

The 2005 season kicked off with a Saturday afternoon showdown against the Parramatta Eels at Stadium Australia, marking the Wests Tigers debuts of Paul Whatuira, Matt Jobson, and Matthew Rieck.

Although the final scoreline read 28-12 in favour of the Eels, this Round 1 clash offered an early glimpse of the flair and grit that would come to define the Tigers’ remarkable campaign. Paul Whatuira, one of the competition’s most dependable centres and a key recruit for 2005, made an immediate impact by pouncing on a spilt bomb in the in-goal to open the scoring; a moment that set the tone for his exceptional season.

Pat Richards, whose combination of size, speed, and strength made him one of the most dominant wingers in the NRL that year, produced a trademark effort just before the break. Beating three defenders with sheer force and footwork, his 36th-minute try was a classic example of what fans would come to expect from the powerhouse outside back.

While Parramatta surged to victory in the second half, the youthful Tigers showed clear promise despite the result. With a new-look squad and flashes of attacking class, it was clear this group had something special simmering beneath the surface.

Eels 28 (Cannings, Morris, Morrison, Peek, Tahu tries; Burt 4/5 goals) defeated Wests Tigers 12 (Richards, Whatuira tries; Hodgson 2/2 goals, Richards 0/1 goals) at Stadium Australia.

ROUND 2 [BYE]

ROUND 3 vs BULLDOGS

The Round 3 clash between Wests Tigers and the reigning premiers, the Bulldogs, stands as one of the most extraordinary contests in the club’s history.

Facing a powerhouse Canterbury outfit at Stadium Australia, the Tigers burst out of the blocks with a dazzling attacking display, racing to a 36-18 lead with just 13 minutes left on the clock. But the Bulldogs weren’t going to roll over easily, mounting a furious comeback to lock the scores at 36-all and set the stage for a dramatic finish.

Enter Scott Prince.

With the game hanging in the balance and the seconds ticking down, the Wests Tigers halfback stepped up with ice in his veins, calmly slotting a clutch field goal with just 20 seconds remaining. It was a truly incredible moment, and secured the team’s first win of the season in spectacular fashion.

The match wasn’t just memorable for its heart-stopping finale. It also delivered one of the greatest team tries in Wests Tigers history.

Starting deep in their own half, the Tigers unleashed a breathtaking 90-metre movement that featured 10 passes and clever support play, before a teenage Bronson Harrison stormed over to cap off an unforgettable sequence.

Prince was instrumental throughout, grabbing a well-deserved double, including a sensational intercept try, finished with a somersault across the line. It was a performance that typified his leadership and set the tone for the campaign to come.

Wests Tigers 37 (Prince 2, Fitzhenry, Harrison, Hodgson, Wilson tries; Hodgson 6/6 goals; Prince field goal) defeated Bulldogs 36 (Anasta 2, Lolesi, Patten, Ryan, Sherwin tries; El Masri 6/6 goals) at Stadium Australia.

ROUND 4 vs ROOSTERS

Fresh off a thrilling win over the reigning premiers, the Wests Tigers turned their attention to the 2004 runners up in Round 4; taking on a star-studded Sydney Roosters side in what proved to be another statement performance from Tim Sheens’ emerging outfit.

The Tigers flew out of the gates with purpose, showcasing their now-trademark energy and attacking flair. Tries to rising star Chris Heighington and the ever-reliable Paul Whatuira saw the home side take a deserved 20-10 lead into the break.

The Roosters, however, weren’t going to fade quietly. As the second half wore on, the seasoned side clawed their way back into the contest, taking a 22-20 lead and threatening to snatch victory.

But just like the week before, Scott Prince delivered when it mattered most.

With scores locked at 26-26, time slipping away and the defensive line closing in, Prince shaped to pass, dummied, and danced through the Roosters’ defence to score a decisive solo try; sealing back-to-back wins for the Tigers and confirming his place as one of the in-form playmakers in the competition. 

Fullback Brett Hodgson remained flawless with the boot, nailing six goals from six attempts to extend his perfect goal-kicking streak to three games. His consistency and composure off the tee continued to be a vital weapon in the Wests Tigers arsenal during these early rounds. 

The back-to-back wins over the Bulldogs and Roosters didn't just deliver four competition points, it was proof that the Tigers were capable of beating the best sides around.

Wests Tigers 32 (Heighington, Laffranchi, Prince, Richards, Whatuira tries; Hodgson 6/6 goals) defeated Roosters 26 (Flannery, Monaghan, Roberts, Tupou, Wing tries; Roberts 2/2 goals, Fitzgibbon 1/3 goals) at Sydney Football Stadium.

ROUND 5 vs WARRIORS

Wests Tigers made it three straight wins in Round 5, heading across the Tasman to topple the Warriors on their home turf; a feat few teams could manage in that era.

The Tigers’ 'Kiwi connection' took centre stage, with Benji Marshall, Bronson Harrison and Paul Whatuira putting on a clinic in familiar territory. The New Zealand trio's instinctive understanding and slick ball movement carved open the Warriors’ defence for Whatuira's second try, reinforcing just how dangerous the Tigers’ left edge could be when given space.

Brett Hodgson’s flawless start to the season continued, nailing every conversion attempt to stretch his perfect goal-kicking streak to 18 from 18. In a tight contest like this one, Hodgson’s consistency off the tee remained invaluable.

Scott Prince also kept his red-hot form rolling, crossing for his fourth try in as many games. The Tigers No.7 was quickly emerging as one of the premier attacking threats in the competition; directing play, creating chances, and finishing them himself when needed.

The Warriors were held to just one try, a lone effort from Todd Byrne, thanks to some gritty, scrambling defence from the visitors, who showed they could win not just with flair, but with resolve.

This win showcased the 2005 Tigers' ability to travel, handle pressure, and adapt their style to get the job done. Another important building block in a season of belief.

Wests Tigers 24 (Whatuira 2, Prince, Richards tries; Hodgson 4/4 goals) defeated Warriors 6 (Byrne try; Jones 1/1 goal) at Lancaster Park.

ROUND 6 vs COWBOYS

A challenging away trip to Townsville awaited the Tigers in Round 6, and while the result didn’t fall their way, the match offered more compelling signs that this team was building something special.

Benji Marshall once again lit up the contest with his unique brand of creativity. The young playmaker’s vision and instinct were on full display as he combined brilliantly with Paul Whatuira to send Daniel Fitzhenry over - a move that showcased the Tigers’ ability to strike from anywhere on the park.

Robbie Farah also gave fans a tantalising glimpse of the attacking smarts that would soon become a hallmark of his game. Still early in his first-grade journey, Farah played with the composure and confidence of a player well beyond his years.

Marshall capped off his night with a stunning solo effort, stepping through the line before unleashing his signature goose-step to score his first try of the season. It was vintage Benji: unpredictable, electric, and impossible to contain.

While the scoreboard didn’t favour the Tigers, performances like these continued to reinforce their attacking identity and hinted at just how dangerous they could be as the season wore on.

Cowboys 44 (Sing 3, Bowen 2, Bowman, Jensen, Lowe tries; Thurston 5/7 goals, Rauhihi 1/1 goal) defeated Wests Tigers 20 (Fitzhenry, Marshall, Whatuira, Wilson tries; Hodgson 2/4 goals) at Willows Sports Complex.