The Wests Tigers secured their first victory of the 2025 NRL season with a commanding 32-6 triumph over the Parramatta Eels at CommBank Stadium on March 16, 2025. The match showcased the collaboration between Tigers star recruit Jarome Luai and Lachlan Galvin, as the team celebrated their initial win after narrowly losing against the Newcastle Knights the previous week.
Luai, who transferred from the Panthers during the off-season, engaged passionately with fans following the win. After the final whistle, he expressed his determination to uplift the long-suffering Tigers supporters: "Things haven't gone their way for a couple of years, but the Tigers fans are really spirited and we're going to do this for the ones who stuck by us," he stated during his interview with rugby league great Brad Fittler on Nine.
This match not only brought joy to the Tigers fans but also saw prominent performances from the team, particularly from winger Sunia Turuva, who scored three tries. Following their performance, the Tigers looked to build upon their momentum. Their earlier loss to Newcastle, where they were edged out 10-8, only intensified their desire to deliver this time.
The Tigers demonstrated a cohesive team effort throughout the match. Starford To'a and Jeral Skelton also scored, showcasing the depth of talent within the squad. The excitement peaked when fullback Jahream Bula broke through the Eels' defensive line, linking with Adam Doueihi for Galvin's spectacular try. Galvin’s summation of the situation was evident as he celebrated, signaling excitement to the ecstatic crowd.
Despite the positive outcome, Luai noted areas for improvement, particularly defensively. He reflected on the late try scored by the Eels' Sean Russell, which occurred within the final minute, stating, "What we want to be as a team this year is defence first, but that's the game of rugby league. It's never perfect and it gives us something to work on for next week." This strong reiteration of the team's goals left fans and analysts alike impressed.
Rugby league legend Ruan Sims praised Luai’s focus on defense, stating, "You know what I loved about it? Was how Jarome Luai said, 'Look, we're very happy with what we did in attack, but we shouldn't have let the points in.' A lot of those tries were scored in front of the Tigers faithful. They loved it." Sims emphasized the importance of the victory not just for the score, but also for the morale and spirit of the Tigers within the community.
The Eels, on the other hand, are currently facing their own struggles. They previously suffered a staggering defeat against the Melbourne Storm, losing 56-18, and with this loss, they have now faced back-to-back losses. Coach Jason Ryles expressed concern over his team's performance, especially after they missed 41 tackles against the Storm. The Eels, lacking star playmaker Mitch Moses for another month, require Dylan Brown to step up and steer the team with established leadership.
Earlier anxieties for Eels' fans were alleviated slightly with the return of experienced back-rower Shaun Lane after his knee injury. Despite Lane's return, the team still struggled against the intense momentum of the Tigers at CommBank Stadium.
The continuing rivalry between the two teams was another narrative of the match. Historically, the Eels have boasted significant success over the Tigers, winning 10 out of their last 12 encounters prior to this game. This game served as another opportunity for the Tigers to showcase their resilience and commitment to turning the tide of their season.
Looking forward, both teams recognize the uphill path they face. The Tigers aim to build from their victory, lifting the spirits of their loyal fanbase, eager to push onwards as they target improved performance strategies. Conversely, the Eels must regroup and reflect critically on their play if they hope to restore their fortunes and meet the passionate expectations of their supporters.
This match marked not just the beginning of what could be a defining season for the Wests Tigers, but also the continued challenge for the Eels as they seek to reclaim their form and establish themselves as competitive contenders. The response from both teams’ fans is expected to be energetic, as they look forward to the subsequent rounds of the NRL season. Fans remain hopeful for the enduring rivalries, divisional victories, and what’s to come as both clubs front up their respective challenges.