When the new look Wests Tigers NRLW team started the 2026 season, it was one of optimism and hope after some very challenging years.
On Friday night, the Tigers may have walked off Campbelltown Sports Stadium beaten in their first finals appearance, but there was more to it than just the 6-0 loss to Canberra.
As the players and coaching staff hugged one another and shed a few tears, there was also a real sense of pride and achievement amongst the group.
For a powerful statement had just been delivered…that the Wests Tigers have FINALLY arrived on the NRLW stage.
And what an impact it was under the leadership of new Coach Craig Sandercock, and Head of High Performance, Richmond Saliba.
Together with Head of Women’s Football, Charmaine Steventon, and her team, they went about rebuilding the Tigers.
Several experienced NRLW players in Raecene McGregor, Holli Wheeler, and Shaylee Bent, to name a few, were recruited to strengthen the team under experienced captain Kezie Apps and tireless warrior, Sarah Togatuki.
Between these Origin and international representatives, they were there to also share their knowledge and experience to some talented youngsters.
The impact was felt immediately, and it worked.
The Wests Tigers found their groove, going from back-to-back wooden spoons over the past two years, to securing their historic NRLW finals appearance in just their fourth season.
“When you take a step back on how far we've come as a team and as a club, it’s pretty remarkable,’’ said Apps, the Wests Tigers captain.
“Wooden spooners the last two years…to now fourth.”
The historic finals appearance saw the highly respected Apps play her 50th NRLW game.
Furthermore, Apps was one of the six pioneers from the inaugural 2023 Wests Tigers team to run out in the club’s maiden finals match.
“It’s been quite a long journey to get here. It was exciting that we got to this sort of stage (the finals),’’ Apps said.
“We had some chances but didn’t ice them.”
Wheeler, one of the toughest and most experienced faces in the NRLW, shared the same opinion as that of her great friend Apps.
“We have laid the foundation of a really strong platform here at Wests Tigers now and we will continue to build on that,’’ Wheeler said.
“I can guarantee you knowing ‘Sandy’ and Rich, and the leadership group here, that we won’t be going backwards that’s for sure.
“It gives us more to work on and makes us even hungrier for next year.”
Young centre Portia Bourke, in her second season at the Tigers, said the team can be very proud of their journey.
“From where we came from last year, we have to be proud of ourselves that we even reached the top six,’’ Bourke said.
“If we can achieve that in six months, imagine adding another six months on top of that.”
Full-back Caitlin Turnbull, the Wests Tigers NRLW Rookie of the Year in 2025, said there was a special bond amongst the playing group.
“We’ve had a great season. We really connected and bringing that experience into the team has been phenomenal for us,’’ Turnbull said.
“I’ve learnt so much this year, and there’s still so much more to learn. I can’t wait to see what happens next year.
“It wasn’t what we wanted (the scoreline) but it shows that we are there for each other and that there are better things to come."
The Tigers had a catch cry of 'Hear Us Roar' for their 2026 campaign, highlighted by some special made T-shirts for the finals.
It was appropriate too, for these gallant young Tigers have now found their voice.
