Wests Tigers pulled off a memorable 25-24 victory over competition leaders Sydney Roosters in Round 25 of the Telstra Premiership today.
A field goal from half-back Jock Madden in the final minutes proved the difference, as the Tigers claimed a well-deserved and confidence-boosting win at Allianz Stadium.
After the sides went into the sheds locked at 12-all, the contest remained just as tight in the second half, with scores level at 24-all with two minutes remaining.
Madden stepped up when it mattered, slotting a field goal from 30 metres out to end an eight-game win drought.
The Moments
1st minute: Alex Twal leaves the field for a HIA. It is deemed a Category 1.
3rd minute: Billy Smith goes over on the left edge for the opening try of the game. Sam Walker converts. Roosters 6-0.
20th minute: Madden spreads the ball through a cut-out pass to Patrick Herbert, who gets it off to Jeral Skelton for a try in the right corner. Roosters 6-4.
23rd minute: Herbert collects a dropped ball from the Roosters and offloads to Tony Sukkar, who dives over to put the Tigers into the lead. Tigers 8-6.
27th minute: The Tigers shift the ball to the right, with Jahream Bula getting it to Herbert, who pops the ball to Skelton for his second try and Herbert’s third try assist. Tigers 12-6.
40th minute: Walker spreads the ball left to Smith, who goes over for his second try. Walker converts. 12-12.
50th minute: Samuela Fainu gets an offload away to Bula, who evades an ankle tap and makes metres before getting the ball to Solomone Saukuru on the left edge to score. Api Koroisau converts. Tigers 18-12.
59th minute: Junior Tupou throws the ball back inside to Koroisau, who scores to the left of the posts. Koroisau converts. Tigers 24-12.
64th minute: The Roosters shift the ball to the right, with Robert Toia going over in the corner. Tigers 24-16.
72nd minute: Mark Nawaqanitawase gets the ball inside to Walker, who scores to narrow the Tigers’ lead. Walker converts. Tigers 24-22.
76th minute: Walker successfully kicks a penalty goal. 24-24.
79th minute: From 30 metres out, Madden slots a field goal. Tigers 25-24.
What they said
NRL Head Coach Benji Marshall
"It is the proudest I've ever been as a coach, given we lost Twaly in the first set of the game, defensively probably our most experienced player."
"Without sugarcoating it, we had guys on train-and-trial deals and development deals in our back line playing against the team coming first; I'm just proud of the effort."
"As a Club, that is one of the best wins we've had."
