The Wests Tigers get their revenge against former coach Ivan Cleary.
MATCH DETAILS
Suncorp Stadium was the venue for this Sydney clash between the Wests Tigers and the Penrith Panthers: the clubs meeting for the second time in five weeks. The Tigers were out for revenge for their Golden Point loss five weeks ago and that’s exactly what they got. The Tigers scored the opening try in the fourth minute through Moses Mbye and with the first set after the restart the Tigers pounced again as veteran Robbie Farah set up Luke Brooks. Two more tries followed in the eighth and 11th minutes of the game with Esan Marsters and Corey Thompson crossing over, putting the Tigers up 20-0. Robert Jennings added further salt to the Panthers’ wounds as he scored in the 18th minute. Dean Whare responded in the 29th with Penrith’s first try of the night and that would be the last scoring play of the half as they entered the sheds trailing 26-4.
As rain fell in Brisbane, the play slowed down as a result and Penrith’s halves continued to look rusty in attack. The Tigers’ dominance of possession made it a struggle for Penrith to get back into the game and a second try for Marsters in the 68th minute secured the win for the Tigers. It sees the Tigers move into the eight with a 5-4 record and the Panthers move to the bottom of the live ladder as they slouch to 2-7.
FOUR POINTERS
Penrith halves struggle again
Nathan Cleary and James Maloney again struggled to lead the Panthers’ attack as they scored one try for the match. Both had good matches in terms of running the football, but they still haven’t been able to convert it into points. This puts question marks on both of them for upcoming NSW Blues selection.
Wests Tigers spine fires
Moses Mbye, Benji Marshall, Luke Brooks and Robbie Farah all were big contributors in the Tigers’ win tonight. Combined they contributed two tries, four line break assists and three try assists. They showed what they can do in the opening 20 minutes and their next step will be to perform like that more consistently.
Ryan Matterson buy of the season?
Ryan Matterson has turned out to be one of the Tigers’ most important players this season. The back rower produced 148 run metres, one line break, one line break assist, two try assists and 38 tackles. The former Rooster has had a great season so far and has potentially entered himself in Origin discussion.
Esan Marsters wayward with the boot
After kicking 77% last season, Marsters has slumped to 65% this season and again struggled tonight, kicking three from seven attempts; he’s especially struggled from out wide this season. Whether or not he can regain his kicking form, the Tigers do have both Mbye and Marshall who can kick goals.
THE RESULT
Wests Tigers 30
Tries: Esan Marsters (2), Moses Mbye, Luke Brooks, Corey Thompson, Robert Jennings
Goals: Esan Marsters 3/7
Drop Goals: N/A
Penrith Panthers 4
Tries: Dean Whare
Goals: N/A
Drop Goals: N/A
SQUADS
Wests Tigers: 1. Moses Mbye (c) 2. Mahe Fonua 3. Robert Jennings 4. Esan Marsters 5. Corey Thompson 6. Benji Marshall 7. Luke Brooks 8. Ben Matulino 9. Robbie Farah 10. Alex Twal 11. Ryan Matterson 12. Chris McQueen 13. Matthew Eisenhuth Interchange: 14. Jacob Liddle 15. Thomas Mikaele 16. Oliver Clark 20. Michael Chee Kam
Penrith Panthers: 1. Caleb Aekins 2. Josh Mansour 3. Dean Whare 15. Tyrell Fuimaono 5. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 6. James Maloney 7. Nathan Cleary 8. James Tamou 9. Wayde Egan 10. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 21. Viliame Kikau 12. James Fisher-Harris 13. Kaide Ellis Interchange: 14. Sione Katoa 16. Moses Leota 17. Tim Grant 18. Jarome Luai
