Madden's Late Strike Secures Upset Victory
Jock Madden kicked a field goal in the 79th minute to hand Wests Tigers a 25-24 win over the Sydney Roosters at Allianz Stadium, snapping an eight-game losing streak and delivering one of the upsets of the season.
The Tigers, long out of finals contention and rated $10 outsiders, were led by co-captain Api Koroisau and produced a performance that reshaped the top four. With two rounds remaining, the Roosters sit third on 38 points with a points differential of +162, trailing the ladder-leading Warriors (+295) and second-placed Penrith (+294).
Roosters Coach Acknowledges Poor Display
Roosters coach Trent Robinson said "It was a poor game from us" and added the result "wasn't good" for his side's top two hopes. "There's two games to go and it's pretty clear," Robinson said. "In the end we didn't win today and the ladder is where it's at and we know what we want to do. We still want to be the best team in the comp this year and the opportunity is still sitting right there."
In further bad news, lock Victor Radley was placed on report and underwent a head injury assessment, failing to finish the second half. Robinson was unsure post-match whether Radley had passed his concussion test.
Tigers Rally Despite Early Setbacks
The Tigers faced early adversity when prop Alex Twal was ruled out with a head knock inside 60 seconds, and Roosters winger Billy Smith touched down after just three minutes. But unlike in recent months, the Tigers stood firm.
Patrick Herbert was credited with three try assists in the space of eight minutes, setting up Jeral Skelton for a double either side of a short-range try for Tony Sukkar. Skelton's second in the 26th minute stunned the stadium into silence.
Key Moments and Turning Points
Billy Smith scored after three minutes and again on halftime, with Sam Walker converting both tries. Robert Toia crashed over for the Roosters, but Sam Walker rattled the conversion into the left upright.
Mark Nawaqanitawase had a try disallowed before setting up Sam Walker with an offload that cut the deficit to two points. After Hugo Savala was tackled off the ball, Walker kicked a penalty goal with less than five minutes remaining to tie the match at 24-24.
The Tigers kept the Roosters at bay before Samuela Fainu offloaded to Jahream Bula, who drew Cody Ramsey and set up Solomone Saukuru. Api Koroisau, handed kicking duties after Madden's three misses, converted his own try and booted a 40/20.
A blunder from Roosters prop Naufahu Whyte put the Tigers on the attack with under 90 seconds left. Victor Radley was then ordered off for a concussion test, giving Madden time to kick the match-winning field goal.
Marshall Praises Team Effort
Tigers coach Benji Marshall said "I reckon that's as proud as I've ever been as a coach" and called the win "one of our best wins we've had." Marshall also praised Madden, who missed the past month with a haematoma in his nether regions, saying "It was quite ballsy for him to play today."