Wests Tigers have fallen agonisingly short in Round 2 of the NRLW, going down 12-8 to the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs in a tightly contested clash at Campbelltown Sports Stadium on Thursday night.
Match: Wests Tigers v Bulldogs
Round 2 -
home Team
Wests Tigers
12th Position
away Team
Bulldogs
1st Position
Venue: Campbelltown Sports Stadium, Sydney
Despite trailing 12-0 at the break, the Tigers launched a spirited second-half comeback, scoring twice in quick succession and applying enormous pressure late - only to be denied by committed Bulldogs defence and a few missed opportunities in attack.
Canterbury struck twice in the first half, with former Tiger Ebony Prior scooting over from dummy half before Alexis Tauaneai capitalised on a loose ball near the line to extend the visitors’ lead to 12-0 by the 29th minute.
The Tigers struggled to find rhythm early but showed resilience in defence, highlighted by strong efforts from Kezie Apps, Sarah Togatuki, and recent debutant Caitlin Turnbull on the wing.
Amelia Huakau also provided punch on the edge, producing a standout hit that rattled Bulldogs co-captain Angelina Teakaraanga-Katoa late in the opening stanza.
After a scoreless start to the second half, the home side found life in the 56th minute when centre Emily Bass pounced on a dropped high ball to score her first try in Wests Tigers colours.
Just minutes later, captain Kezie Apps lit up the stadium with a barnstorming solo run, slicing through the line and beating the fullback to cross in the corner.
The Tigers were suddenly within striking distance at 12-8, with momentum swinging heavily in their favour.
A tense final quarter followed, including a fiery confrontation that saw Bulldogs forward Teakaraanga-Katoa sent to the sin bin for striking Jetaya Faifua.
Despite the one-player advantage, the Tigers couldn’t find the finishing touch, with their last attacking set ending in a mistimed kick that was safely defused by Bulldogs winger Vani Buleki. The full-time siren sounded moments later, confirming a narrow win for the visitors.
While the result was disappointing, the Tigers’ second-half performance was filled with positives. Apps, Bass, and Turnbull led from the front, while young halves Losana Lutu and Evie McGrath continued to grow in confidence and control.
Head Coach Brett Kimmorley will be encouraged by the improved second-half showing and the resilience his side displayed under pressure.
The Tigers now turn their focus to Round 3 as they look to bounce back with a home win against the Titans at Leichhardt.
Bulldogs 12 (Prior, Tauaneai tries; Preston 2/2 goals) defeated Wests Tigers 8 (Bass, Apps tries; Lutu 0/2 goals) at Campbelltown Sports Stadium.
