Match Review: Tigers v Dragons – Tigers break through for first win of season
The Wests Tigers claimed their first victory of the 2025 NRLW season, holding off a fast-finishing St George Illawarra Dragons to secure a 16-12 win at Allianz Stadium on Sunday.
In a contest played during Indigenous Round, the Tigers took control early through strong efforts from Indigenous stars Caitlin Turnbull and Tiana-Lee Thorne.
Five-eighth Jetaya Faifua produced a sparkling performance, bagging a double in her first appearance in the halves, while skipper Kezie Apps set the platform with her trademark running game.
The Dragons were dealt two early blows with Hannah Southwell spending 10 minutes in the sin bin and Kasey Reh briefly sidelined for a HIA.
The Tigers capitalised with three tries in the opening exchanges to establish what proved to be a decisive lead.
Rookie hooker Tori Shipton sparked hopes of a Dragons comeback with her first NRLW try, but the visitors’ late charge fell short as the Tigers defence held firm in the dying minutes.
Coach Brett Kimmorley praised his side for their resilience, noting the team’s growing combinations as they look to build momentum in the back end of the season.
________________________________________
Match Preview: Tigers v Cowboys – a historic celebration
The Tigers now shift focus to this Sunday’s clash with the North Queensland Cowboys at Leichhardt Oval, a fixture carrying special meaning beyond the scoreboard.
The match will mark the 20-year anniversary of the Wests Tigers’ famous 2005 NRL premiership win over the Cowboys, with both clubs now fielding women’s teams in a double-header celebration of how far the game has come.
The Tigers will run out unchanged from last week, while the Cowboys welcome back strike second-rower China Polata from a long-term ACL injury and powerful prop Makenzie Weale from a broken finger.
Their returns will bolster a pack already showing plenty of punch.
Kick-off is set for 6:15pm, with a big Leichhardt Oval crowd expected as both clubs honour history while writing a new chapter in the women’s game.
