The Wests Tigers have been defeated 32-0 by the Canterbury Bulldogs at Accor Stadium.
It was a debut start for WT #311 Jared Haywood, while Api Koroisau made an earlier than expected return from a pectoral strain to be named on the bench. Ethan Roberts also made a successful return from injury via the bench for his second NRL appearance.
It was a dominant display from the hosts, who opened the scoring in the second minute of the match and went on to control the first half – having the better of both territory and possession.
The Tigers fought back after the half time break, working their way into the contest and creating opportunities in Canterbury’s half, however they were unable to convert that territory into points.
Latu Fainu was sent to the sin bin midway through the second half, with Alex Twal soon to follow. The Bulldogs made the most of their numerical advantage to run out winners.
The moments:
2nd minute: The Bulldogs strike first on the left edge as Jaeman Salmon, Sean O'Sullivan and Matt Burton combine to send Jethro Rinakama over for the opening try. Burton converts from out wide. Bulldogs 6-0
8th minute: A neat grubber by Lachlan Galvin into the in-goal finds Josh Curran steaming through, who gets to the ball first for a try. Matt Burton converts. Bulldogs 12-0
17th minute: Jethro Rinakama looks to have a second try, but replays show Josh Curran had knocked on in the lead-up. The referee ruled play on and allowed Rinakama to cross but the bunker ruled the 'try' out.
23rd minute: Jacob Preston goes to the line and rides the contact before slipping an offload to Enari Tuala who out-paces the cover defence on a run to the corner. Matt Burton converts from wide out. Bulldogs 18-0.
56th minute: Adam Doueihi is placed on report for a high shot on Harry Hayes.
64th minute: Latu Fainu goes in low at the legs of Leo Thompson who flips over the tackler's head and lands in a dangerous position. Fainu is placed on report and sin binned. Matt Burton decides to take a shot at penalty goal from 41 metres out and converts. Bulldogs 20-0.
70th minute: The Tigers are down to 11 men with Alex Twal striking Jaeman Salmon with an open hand in back play.
74th minute: Api Koroisau tries to kick, Josh Curran charges the ball down, Gordon Chan Kum Tong scoops it up and races away. The replacement hooker is dragged down by Jahream Bula but slips a looping offload to Curran who backs up to score. Matt Burton converts. Bulldogs 32-0
