The undefeated Wests Tigers can make a real statement in the NRLW this Sunday against premiers Brisbane Broncos after a flying start to their season.
Under new Coach Craig Sandercock, the Tigers have recorded two 12-point wins against the Parramatta Eels and the North Queensland Cowboys.
With their confidence up through some strong defence and impressive attack, it’s the perfect time for this new look Wests Tigers team to test themselves against the undefeated competition leaders Brisbane.
“We’ve been able to get out to good leads and managed to hang on, so I’m really happy for the girls so far,’’ Sandercock said.
“Everything we’ve worked on in the pre-season was evident in those first two games.
“We’ve just got to keep building on that because there are parts of our game that we do need to get better.
“If we can keep improving every week, then you never know what could happen.”
Sandercock said the focus this week has been ensuring the team’s preparation has been right following a long flight to Townsville last weekend.
“It’s been a bit more of a challenge as we do have a few players injured,’’ Sandercock said.
“It’s just making sure that they look after their bodies and get their preparations right.
“All the plane trips and the training does take it out of you. Our girls are still only part-time players, so there is a bit of consideration there.
“The key against the Broncos is to limit their opportunities. They are an elite side with Origin players everywhere.
“We need to limit their opportunities, and if we do that, hopefully we can defend it.”
The Tigers go into the match on the back of a 30-18 victory over the Cowboys in which five-eighth Faythe Manera crossed for a hat-trick.
The Broncos match will mark the 25th appearance in a Wests Tigers jersey for hard-working prop Christian Pio who due to injury, had a reduced 2025 season.
Now in her fourth season at Wests Tigers, Pio said there is plenty of self-belief within this new look Tigers outfit.
“We are enjoying our wins, but we are so focused on our game and continuing to improve, so there is no issue with complacency,'' Pio said.
"We’ve got a really strong culture. It is pretty unique to see what the girls have created this year. It’s something that is very unforced, so it’s been amazing."
Team-mate Tara Reinke echoed Pio's sentiments.
“There is just a different belief. Everyone knows what their job is and we all get around each other,'' Reinke said.
“We’ve been working really hard for each other in defence and knowing that we can get out there and be very physical with teams again.
“We just need to keep playing our style and really live up to our potential."
Match details
Brisbane Broncos vs Wests Tigers
Sunday, 19 July
Totally Workwear Stadium, Brisbane
Kick-off: 1.45pm
Broadcast: Live on Channel 9, NineNow, Kayo Sports, and Fox League
