The Wests Tigers Lisa Fiaola side have made it through to the second weekend of finals football, while Riley Oitmann impressed in his Jersey Flegg debut, scoring a hat-trick on the wing.
Wests Tigers
Lisa Fiaola Cup vs Penrith Panthers: 28-6 win
In week one of the Lisa Fiaola Cup Finals, the Tigers faced the Penrith Panthers at Henson Park, with Dawn Tui leading from the front in a standout performance.
The Tigers opened the scoring early, with Isabella Brown charging through the middle on a 20-metre run to score. Shortly after, Withers sliced through five Panthers defenders to score and convert her own try, giving the Tigers a 12-0 lead at halftime.
Strong tries through the middle from Olivia Large and Bessy Combo, combined with edge efforts from Brianna Edwards and an impressive 70-metre try from Khiarna Munro, saw the Tigers extend their lead to 28 points.
A late try to the Panthers closed out the match, with the Tigers securing a 28-6 victory to progress to week two of the Finals.
The side will take on the Central Coast Roosters this coming weekend.
Tarsha Gale Cup vs Penrith Panthers: 26-16 loss
Our Tarsha Gale side also took to Henson Park in their week one Finals clash against a strong Penrith outfit.
After conceding the opening try, the Tigers responded in the 18th minute when Mia Tonga delivered a pass to Saige Tautalafua, who broke through the defensive line to score. Jewel Faaui converted to give the Tigers a 6-4 lead.
Two converted tries from the Panthers put them ahead 16-6 at the half.
Faaui made an immediate impact in the second half, crossing on the left edge to bring the Tigers back into the contest at 16-10. However, the Panthers extended their lead before Faaui powered through again for her second try, bringing the Tigers within 10 points with eight minutes remaining.
Despite the late push, the Tigers were unable to add further points, falling 26-16 and concluding a strong 2026 campaign.
Jersey Flegg vs Newcastle Knights: 38-22 win
Shane Sultana’s side made a fast start at Lidcombe Oval. In the third minute, Bailey Smith wrapped around Ethan Roberts to score.
Western Suburbs Magpies junior, Riley Oitmann impressed on Jersey Flegg debut, scoring twice on the right wing in the first half. Jeriko Talisau also crossed after gliding through the Knights’ defence, while a strong kicking display helped the Tigers to a 24-10 halftime lead.
In the second half, Roberts added another try before Oitmann completed his hat-trick to cap off an outstanding debut performance.
Pheonix Godinet sealed the result, powering through multiple defenders on the right edge as the Tigers secured a 38-22 win.
Western Suburbs Magpies vs Newcastle Knights: 24-22 loss
It was a tough night for the Magpies, who hosted the Knights at Campbelltown Sports Stadium.
Tristan Hope set up the sides opening try with a well-weighted grubber, collected by Fiohiva Fainga’a on the right wing. Fainga’a scored the side's second try off a Ben Stevanovic cut-out pass, however a strong attacking effort from the Knights saw them leading 18-10 at halftime.
A Javon Andrews short ball taken by Maxwell Taotua brought the Magpies back into the match. After the conversion, the Magpies narrowed the difference to 2 points. The Knights were up 18-16.
A powerful run from Solomone Saukuru on the left edge pushed the Magpies ahead 22–18 with 30 minutes remaining.
The Knights responded nine minutes later with a converted try. The Magpies were unable to find a way onto the scoreboard again, with the Knights securing a 24-22 victory.
