The Wests Tigers NRLW side opened their 2026 campaign with a roaring away victory, defeating the Parramatta Eels 28-16.
The Tigers impressed with a dominant performance under new Head Coach, Craig Sandercock.
With six new members of the squad in the starting line-up, there were numerous standout performances from players pulling on the Wests Tigers jersey for the first time, through to those who have been part of the team's short three-year history.
Key Stats:
Running metres: Eight players recorded more than 100 running metres. Captain Kezie Apps led the way with 140 metres, followed by Sarah Togatuki with 139 and new signing, Shaniece Monschau with 137.
Raecene McGregor: The halfback produced a masterclass, recording three try assists, eight points from the boot and 113 running metres.
Namoe Gesa: The 18-year-old debutant impressed with 76 running metres in a full 70-minute performance.
The Moments
15th minute: A towering bomb from Raecene McGregor finds Emily Bass on the right wing to open the Tigers scoring for the season. McGregor was unable to convert from the sideline as the Tigers lead 4-0.
18th minute: McGregor passes the ball to Caitlin Turnbull, who ran 10 metres to score to the right of the posts, giving McGregor an easy conversion to extend the visitors' lead to 10-0.
25th minute: An inside ball from McGregor is taken by Faythe Manera, who powers through an Eels defender to score. McGregor converts to push the lead to 16-0.
33rd minute: From dummy-half, Manera gets the ball off to captain Kezie Apps, who carries three Eels defenders over the line to score. McGregor converts to give the Tigers a 22-0 lead at half-time.
38th minute: Martha Mataele scores out wide for the Eels first try of the contest. The conversion was unsuccessful, reducing the margin to 22-4.
46th minute: Losana Lutu gives Shaylee Bent an inside ball for Bent to score in her first match for the Club. McGregor added the extra two points to extend the Tigers lead to 28-4.
50th minute: Rory Owen crosses on the left edge for the Eels, with Rachael Pearson converting to narrow the margin to 28-10.
58th minute: Owen gets her second try on the left edge. Pearson converts to take the score to 28-16.
What they said:
NRLW Head Coach, Craig Sandercock
“We really competed hard out there today, and that’s all we wanted.”
“I want the team to enjoy themselves today; they’ve earned it, but tomorrow it’s back to work. It doesn't come any harder than two road trips to Queensland.”
When talking about Raecene McGregor
“She was outstanding; she led the team around the park. She did everything right today, and I’m really pleased for her.”
Captain, Kezie Apps
“We play this game to win, and winning changes everything. It was nice to be able to sing our team song again.”
