In a thrilling display of consistency for Wests Tigers fans, their team crushed the Newcastle Knights 42–22 at Campbelltown Sports Stadium last Sunday. Sunia Turuva’s hat-trick led the charge as the Tigers scored eight tries to the Knights’ four, marking their first victory at the venue in 603 days.
Crowd energises historic night
What made the night truly special was the massive home crowd of 15,221, a rare turnout for Campbelltown, where crowds are typically smaller. Fans created a raucous atmosphere, fuelling the Tigers’ right-edge attack where Turuva, Jahream Bula and others thrived. This run of consistency has shattered expectations, signalling growing support in the Macarthur region amid the club’s push for reinvestment in the ground.
75 minutes of total control
The Tigers dominated for the first 75 minutes, racing to a 42–10 lead with clinical precision. Tries from Api Koroisau (11’), Turuva (3’, 15’, 54’), Paulie Herbert (34’), Bula (38’, 61’) and Terrell May (65’) showcased their edge, especially down the right flank with four first-half tries. Halfback Adam Doueihi orchestrated plays masterfully, pulling strings despite defensive pressure, while the Knights managed just a Domenic Young try (27’) early on.
Breaking a long drought amid injuries
This emphatic performance caps three straight wins and vaults them to second on the ladder with a 4–1 record. Remarkably, it comes amid an injury crisis, with star half Jarome Luai sidelined for weeks due to a knee issue, forcing reliance on deputies like Doueihi. Coach Benji Marshall’s men proved depth and resilience, defying low expectations after years of struggles.
The late Knights tries from Fletcher Hunt, Fletcher Sharpe and others couldn’t erase the Tigers’ statement. As Luai eyes a return for the Broncos blockbuster, this win reignites hope for a sustained resurgence.
