A Thrilling Easter Monday Showdown
Easter Monday witnessed one of the most thrilling games of the season, with a Jock Madden penalty goal in golden point extra-time securing a 22-20 victory for the Wests Tigers over the Eels. The win not only sent the Tigers’ fans into a frenzy but also reignited hopes of a return to the finals after a 15-year absence.
High Drama and Unforgettable Moments
The game was a rollercoaster of emotions, with moments that left fans on the edge of their seats. One such moment came when Luke Laulilii was sent to the sin bin for a mid-air tackle that resulted in Parramatta winger Bailey Simonsson being taken from the field on a medi-cab. The record crowd at CommBank Stadium witnessed a game of the year, which had an explosive post-mortem as players from both sides clashed on the sideline while Simonsson was being treated.
Simonsson landed awkwardly on his left foot after being tackled in the air while contesting a kick. Referee Peter Gough decided to send Laulilii from the field with 21 minutes remaining. “Foul play, tackles him in the air and there’s a high risk of injury as we can clearly see. He’s in the bin,” the referee said.
A Moment for the Ages
Incredibly, rookie sensation Apa Twidle made a moment for the ages when he scored a stunning try with his first touch in the NRL. Not stopping there, Twidle – fresh from four tries in the NSW Cup last week – scored again from the very next set to tie the game and send the Eels faithful into raptures. The stadium became a sea of blue and gold flags as the Eels supporters celebrated.
The Eels were already down an outside back after centre Sean Russell was knocked out in the first half. Russell set up the opening try of the afternoon but was forced from the field late in the first half after colliding heads with teen sensation Heamasi Makasini, who juggled the ball in contact. Russell was in a bad way but managed to walk off the field, with the referee penalising him for rushing out of the line and failing in his duty of care, similar to a Jack Wighton incident last year.
Penalty Perfection
Mitch Moses was visibly frustrated when told by Gough that he couldn’t challenge a crucial play just before half-time when Jack Williams appeared to have the ball knocked out of his hands a metre from the line. However, the decision ultimately worked in the Tigers’ favor. Moses made a break, was ankle-tapped by Api Koroisau, and then challenged that he was hit high by Samuela Fainu.
The Bunker only needed one look at it to confirm the contact was high. Moses picked himself up to slot the goal that put them up 20-18 with three minutes to play. But there was still plenty of time for drama, with the Tigers regathering the short kick-off and earning a penalty a play later when Sione Fainu was collected high.
That left Madden with a shot from 38 meters out to tie things up. The man filling in for the injured Jarome Luai nailed the biggest shot of his career, sending the game to golden point.
Finals Fantasy
It has been 15 long years since the Wests Tigers last made the finals, but a return to the big time feels inevitable. There have been several false dawns for the Tigers, but they are currently playing as well as any team not named Penrith, having jumped to second spot on the ladder.
Pearce-Paul and Bula were instrumental for the Tigers, while their big men off the bench also helped to flip momentum in their favor. There will be a nervous wait for skipper Api Koroisau, who was placed on report for a hip-drop tackle. Meanwhile, the Eels face injury concerns, with five-eighth Jonah Pezet also forced off with a hamstring injury.
Despite these challenges, the Eels performed better than they did against Penrith, but coach Jason Ryles now has significant concerns with so many of his players unavailable.
