On February 6 in 2000, the Wests Tigers made their National Rugby League debut against the Brisbane Broncos at Campbelltown. Here’s a look at the Wests Tigers over the years.
Wests Tigers History
First Game
Venue: Campbelltown Sports Stadium, Sydney
Result: Wests Tigers 24 drew Brisbane Broncos 24
Scoresheet
Tigers 24
Tries: Joel Caine (3), John Skandalis
Goals: Joel Caine (4/5)
Broncos 24
Tries: Kevin Campion, Ben Ikin, Luke Priddis, Brad Thorn
Goals: Michael De Vere (2/2), Ben Walker (2/2)
First Team: 1. Joel Caine, 2. John Carlaw, 3. Owen Craigie, 4. Terry Hill, 5. John Hopoate, 6. Kevin McGuinness, 7. Craig Field, 8. Jason Lowrie, 9. Darren Senter, 10. Shane Walker, 11. Jarrod McCracken (c), 12. Mark Stimson, 13. Tyran Smith, Interchange: 14. Adam Nable, 15. Steve Georgallis, 16. Mark O’Neill, 17. John Skandalis, 18. Ken McGuinness. Coach: Wayne Pearce.
The first game in Wests Tigers history was a home game in Campbelltown against a stacked Brisbane Broncos side, who were heavy favourites to win. The game ended in a draw after the Broncos took the lead 24-18 with 10 minutes to go, before the Tigers levelled the scores a few minutes later. Joel Caine scored a hat-trick and kicked four goals for the Tigers in an inspired performance at fullback. The Broncos would go on to win the premiership that year, while the Tigers would finish 10th and miss the finals in their inaugural season.
Early Success With 2005 Premiership
Venue: Telstra Stadium, Sydney
Result: Wests Tigers 30 defeat North Queensland Cowboys 16
Scoresheet
Tigers 30
Tries: Daniel Fitzhenry, Bryce Gibbs, Anthony Laffranchi, Todd Payten, Pat Richards
Goals: Brett Hodgson (5/6)
Cowboys 16
Tries: Matt Bowen, Travis Norton, Matt Sing
Goals: Josh Hannay (2/3)
Grand Final Team: 1. Brett Hodgson, 2. Daniel Fitzhenry, 3. Shane Elford, 4. Paul Whatuira, 5. Pat Richards, 6. Benji Marshall, 7. Scott Prince, 8. Anthony Laffranchi, 9. Robbie Farah, 10. John Skandalis, 11. Ben Galea, 12. Mark O’Neill, 13. Dene Halatau, Interchange: 14. Liam Fulton, 15. Chris Heighington, 16. Bryce Gibbs, 17. Todd Payten. Coach: Tim Sheens.
In the lead-up to the 2005 season, the Tigers made several key signings that changed the trajectory of the club. The likes of Scott Prince, Brett Hodgson, Pat Richards, Shane Elford, and Todd Payten all arrived in 2004. In addition to these recruits, a fresh crop of youngsters emerged and were eager to prove themselves. All debuting in ’03/’04, the likes of Robbie Farah, Bryce Gibbs, Bronson Harrison, Liam Fulton, Dene Halatau, Chris Heighington, and Benji Marshall elevated their games to become regular first graders in 2005.
Under the tutelage of Tim Sheens, the young Tigers took the competition by storm. Benji was at the forefront of this revolution, mesmerising with his electric footwork and unconventional ball-playing, the likes of which hadn’t been seen before. While the Benji flick-pass to Pat Richards is one of the most iconic plays in Grand Final history, it was the culmination of new arrivals in key positions and the emergence of future club legends at the right time which provided the perfect conditions for that play to happen and for the Tigers to achieve success.
Post-2005 Premiership Struggles
After winning the premiership, the Tigers struggled to recapture their magic. There were some key departures in the years that followed (John Skandalis, Mark O’Neill, Pat Richards, Scott Prince, Anthony Laffranchi) and they were cruelled by injuries to Benji Marshall and Brett Hodgson in consecutive seasons. They had a small resurgence in 2010-2011, when they recorded back-to-back top four finishes, with the arrival of Gareth Ellis as a star backrower. However, they ultimately fell short of premiership success in both years.
Following the departure of Tim Sheens at the end of 2012, the club failed to find success with several different coaches and became impatient with the lack of results on the field. The high turnover of coaches meant that the playing roster had become unstable. As a result, they failed to retain future superstars such as James Tedesco, Ryan Papenhuyzen, Josh Addo-Carr, and Mitchell Moses. To this day, the Tigers are still searching for a way to break their finals drought, which now stands at 14 years.
Wests Tigers Club Legends
Benji Marshall
He changed the game when he burst onto the scene in the mid ’00s. He is the leading points-scorer for the Wests Tigers and played 257 games for the club. He played a crucial role in their 2005 premiership win.
Embed from Getty ImagesRobbie Farah
The most capped Wests Tiger at 278 games, Farah epitomised what it meant to be a Tiger. He represented NSW in Origin and Australia on several occasions. He was a pivotal member of the 2005 premiership team and had two stints at the club over nearly two decades.
Embed from Getty ImagesChris Lawrence
Played his entire career for the Tigers: 253 games in a variety of positions. He was unlucky not to be selected for NSW at Origin level but played a handful of games for Australia. Equal second in tries scored for the club with 84.
Embed from Getty ImagesJohn Skandalis
One of only two Wests Tigers who were part of the inaugural 2000 team and part of the 2005 premiership team. He played 186 games for the club and spearheaded the forward pack through the ’00s.
Embed from Getty ImagesChris Heighington
Another member of the 200-game Wests Tigers club. He played 202 games spanning across a decade, and was a key part of the 2005 premiership side and finals runs in 2010-2011. He represented England on several occasions.
Embed from Getty ImagesThe Future – Can the Merger Survive?
For the first time in over a decade, the future looks bright for the Wests Tigers. A complete clean-out of the board and Benji Marshall’s return in a coaching role is just the beginning of the turnaround for the club. Several new signings have fans excited for some better performances, most notably the arrival of Jarome Luai and Sunia Turuva from Penrith, as well as Terrell May from the Roosters. Couple these with captain Api Koroisau and the emergence of young talent like Lachie Galvin, Jahream Bula, and Samuela Fainu and the Tigers roster is looking as good as it has in years.
All these factors are great, however the results on the field will be the biggest indicator of what the future will hold for the club. Getting back into a winning culture and clawing their way out of the cellar is the first challenge, but if they can achieve that, it’s certain that the Wests Tigers will be around for a long time to come.
Wests Tigers Records
From Wests Tigers website
Titles: World Sevens (2004), NRL Premiership (2005), National Youth Competition (2012)
Played: 609
Wins: 244
Losses: 362
Draws: 3
Win Percentage: 40.1%
Biggest Winning Margin: 52 vs Bulldogs (56-4), round 21 2008; vs Bulldogs (54-2), round 24 2005
Biggest Win Streak: 9 (round 19 to qualifying final, 2011)
Most Games: 277, Robbie Farah
Most Tries in a Game: 4 Kevin McGuinness vs Rabbitohs, round 21 2002; Marika Koroibete vs Eels, round 22, 2012; Keith Lulia vs Bulldogs, round 19, 2014.
Most Tries for the Club: 100, David Nofoaluma
Most Goals in a Game: 9, Brett Hodgson vs Bulldogs, round 24 2005; Brett Hodgson vs Bulldogs, week 1 finals 2005.
Most Points in a Game: 30, Brett Hodgson vs Cowboys, week 1 finals 2005.
Most Points for the Club: 1,181, Benji Marshall (82 tries, 402 goals, 11 field goals)
