The Wests Tigers secured a dramatic and exhilarating comeback victory against the Dolphins on Saturday, March 22, 2025, in a mesmerizing NRL match that saw the Tigers rally from an 18-6 deficit to win 30-18. This victory marked the Tigers' second consecutive win and hinted at a promising new era under coach Benji Marshall, while the Dolphins continue to search for their elusive first win of the season.
The match took place at Kayo Stadium in Redcliffe, where the atmosphere was electric as both teams entered the round three clash with their own objectives to fulfill. The Dolphins were eager to put the struggles of their first two matches behind them, while the Tigers aimed to build on their thrilling victory over the Eels the previous week.
In the early stages, it appeared that the Dolphins might have the upper hand. The returning Jack Bostock opened the scoring with a try in the fourth minute, showcasing an impressive acrobatic finish that thrilled home fans. This success came on the back of some creative ball play from halfback Isaiya Katoa, who set up the chance by expertly maneuvering past the opposition's defense, creating a favorable two-on-one scenario.
However, their lead didn't last long. The Tigers quickly retaliated through Sunia Turuva, who leveled the scores soon after with a well-executed try, following a dazzling run from Jarome Luai. This exchange of scoring epitomized the highly competitive nature of the first half. Nevertheless, the Dolphins regained the lead midway through the first half thanks to Daniel Saifiti's bullocking run that paved the way for Herbie Farnworth to score under the posts.
The Tigers struck back shortly after, with Kodi Nikorima scything through the Dolphins’ defensive line to score, bringing the match to 12-6. Just moments later, Jamayne Isaako extended the Tigers' lead by slotting a penalty goal after a holding penalty awarded to the Dolphins.
At halftime, the Dolphins boasted an 18-12 lead, thanks to young hooker Tallyn Da Silva's try just before the break. However, the Tigers regrouped during the intermission, and it quickly became evident that they had no intention of fading into defeat. Their energy and determination were palpable as the second half commenced.
As the match progressed, the Tigers demonstrated resilience and skill. They orchestrated an impressive turnaround, scoring three tries in a blistering 12-minute span. Sunia Turuva scored his second try in the 63rd minute, showcasing his talent and determination. Then, Alex Seyfarth charged through the defense to add yet another four-pointer, bringing the score to 30-18.
One of the standout performances of the match came from Tigers captain Api Koroisau, who not only provided invaluable leadership but also crossed over for a try himself with just five minutes to spare. His ability to dictate play from dummy half helped secure the win. Kevin Walters aptly noted, "That's captaincy at its best," highlighting Koroisau's pivotal role and presence during the game.
Meanwhile, despite their early hopes, the Dolphins let the lead slip, allowing 24 consecutive points to the Tigers. Mali Meninga remarked post-match, "They threw it away a little bit. They made a lot of errors," reflecting on the team's struggles to maintain composure at crucial moments.
The night wasn’t without its challenges, as the Dolphins faced injury woes, notably when Jeral Skelton left the field after sustaining a knee injury. However, while the Dolphins look to regroup, the Tigers celebrated their revival and newfound direction. Terrell May, who had an impressive outing with 147 meters gained and 45 tackles, is emerging as one of the best recruits of the season and leads the discussions around the potential of this revamped Tigers side.
As the final whistle blew, the Tigers’ triumph over the Dolphins solidifies their momentum and sets an intriguing tone for the remainder of the season. With the Dolphins now struggling at 0-3, head coach Kristian Woolf faces the pressing challenge of turning the team’s fortunes around. Observers will be keeping a close eye on how they tackle their upcoming match against the Broncos, where they will undoubtedly need to harness positive energy and avoid further setbacks.
The excitement around the new look of the Tigers is palpable, with players harmonizing better on the field than in years past. Koroisau himself offered a glimpse into the player’s morale, stating, "For myself there's a huge difference from last year. Everyone's just happy." Such camaraderie seems to be the catalyst for their current success, invigorating both the players and their loyal fan base.
As we move past this thrilling encounter, the bright future of the Wests Tigers shines on the horizon, whereas the Dolphins are left grappling with their current woes, leading to questions surrounding the ongoing Wayne Bennett curse. Nevertheless, with the season ahead, every match is a chance for growth and resurgence, and only time will tell how these narratives unfold in the fierce competitive arena of the NRL.
