Wests Tigers produced a statement performance to down the New Zealand Warriors 30-22 at CommBank Stadium, recording their fifth win of the 2026 NRLW season and cementing a spot inside the top four. The victory was built on a blistering first 20 minutes, but it was the side’s resilience and finishing power that ultimately sealed the deal against a dangerous Warriors outfit.
The Tigers exploded out of the blocks, racing to a 16-0 lead inside the opening 21 minutes. Fullback Caitlin Turnbull opened the scoring in the 11th minute, finishing a crossfield kick from halfback Raecene McGregor. Winger Lily Rogan then crossed twice in quick succession, first in the 17th minute and again in the 21st, to put the home side in control.
The Warriors responded with three tries before the break through Tysha Ikenasio, Stacey Waaka and Emmanita Paki, trimming the deficit to 16-12 at half-time. Wests Tigers centre Namoe Gesa restored the buffer early in the second half with a tough finish out wide, but the visitors fought back to level at 22-22 after 59 minutes.
The match-winning moment arrived in the 64th minute when Faythe Manera darted from dummy half to score her second consecutive weekly decider. McGregor’s late penalty goal sealed a 30-22 win, moving the Tigers into fourth place ahead of the Warriors on the ladder. Head coach Craig Sandercock praised the collective effort, singling out captain Raecene McGregor for her outstanding game management.
Season so far: From wooden-spooners to contenders
This win caps a remarkable turnaround for Wests Tigers, who finished last in both 2024 and 2025. In 2026, they have already matched their best-ever regular-season win tally (five) and sit fifth on the ladder with four wins from six rounds before Sunday’s result. The key acquisitions of Raecene McGregor, Shaylee Bent and Holli Wheeler have added experience and power, while home-grown talents like Turnbull and Rogan have flourished.
The Tigers’ attacking metrics have improved markedly, with McGregor leading the league in points (44 from three tries and 16 goals) and Emily Bass and Manera each on 16 points. Defensively, the side has shown greater cohesion, with Turnbull’s communication at the back cited by teammates as pivotal in organising the line and reducing middle forwards’ workload.
With three home-and-away fixtures remaining, the Tigers are well-placed to secure a top-six berth and a shot at the finals. Given their momentum, balanced squad and big-game performers like McGregor and Apps, a deep finals run is entirely plausible.
Wests Tigers will not only make the post-season but pull off at least one upset win in the finals series. Their ability to start fast, absorb pressure and finish through multiple threats makes them a dangerous opponent for any top-two side. If they maintain this standard, the Tigers will be the surprise package of October.
