The exciting and brilliant season of the Wests Tigers NRLW team came to a gallant end at Campbelltown Sports Stadium tonight following a 6-0 loss to the Canberra Raiders.
It was history in the making for the Wests Tigers with the NRLW team making their first finals appearance since entering the competition in 2023.
The match also marked the 50th NRLW game for inspirational and respected Wests Tigers Captain Kezie Apps.
The Tigers made 70 more tackles than the Raiders in the first half to trail 4-0 at the break which took its toll in attack in the second half.
Although beaten, the Tigers can be very proud of their season that saw them finish fourth under new Coach Craig Sandercock.
The key moments
14 min: Tigers player Shenai Lendill placed on report for a crusher tackle.
16 min: Tigers captain Kezie Apps knocks a grubber kick over the dead ball line.
17 min: The Raiders capitalise on a wealth of possession to catch the Tigers short for winger Isabella Waterman to score in the corner. Zehara Temara fails to convert. Raiders 4-0.
24 min: A short chip kick on the last from half-back Raecene McGregor gets the Tigers a repeat set after the team made almost 50 extra tackles than Canberra in the opening 20 minutes.
33 min: Raiders hooker Chante Temara knocks the ball on in trying to ground it from a grubber kick from Krystal Blackwell.
Half-time summary: Raiders 4-0. The Tigers make 70 more tackles than the Raiders with Apps making 21, Bent 20, and Salma Nour 20. The Tigers completed 14 of their 16 sets.
42 min: Tigers centre Rikeya Horne leaves the field for a HIA.
48th min: Zahara Temara converts penalty goal. Raiders 6-0
64 min: A kick from Tigers five-eighth Losana Lutu goes uncontested.
65 min: Apps steals the ball only for Holli Wheeler to drop it with time running out.
What they said
NRLW Head Coach Craig Sandercock
"To the girls’ credit, they tried hard and defended so well. I’m surprised it was that close. I couldn’t be more proud."
"Our skipper played her 50th NRLW game, and she was a massive force tonight."
"There are a lot of positives to take out of it. We're very disappointed tonight, but overall, couldn't be happier with the girls and how they went."
Captain Kezie Apps
"This makes us even hungrier heading into next year. Taking a step back to see how far we've come from last year to this year, I'm incredibly proud of the group."
When asked about Shaylee Bent
"She's incredible and had a great season. She's really stepped up for us. I love that she's come here and made a massive difference. She stepped up in those big moments when we needed her."
