The Wests Tigers scored a decisive victory against the Dolphins in a recent NRL clash, extinguishing any lingering disappointment from their earlier season opener. In their previous outing, the Tigers had faced a heartbreaking loss against the Newcastle Knights but shifted their momentum by defeating the Parramatta Eels 32-6. This resounding win set the stage for their next match against the Dolphins on March 22, 2025.
The Tigers' player roster for this high-stakes encounter at Kayo Stadium included Jahream Bula, Sunia Turuva, Adam Doueihi, Starford To'a, Jeral Skelton, Lachlan Galvin, Jarome Luai, Terrell May, Api Koroisau, Fonua Pole, Samuela Fainu, Alex Seyfarth, Alex Twal, Tallyn Da Silva, Royce Hunt, Jack Bird, Sione Fainu, and Latu Fainu.
Meanwhile, the Dolphins, struggling under their new coach, Kristian Woolf, came into this match without a win this season, staring down the barrel of an 0-3 start. Following a 30-18 defeat against the Tigers, they found themselves worrying about the burgeoning reputation of the so-called 'Bennett Curse.' Former coach Wayne Bennett left big shoes to fill, and Woolf's task is tall as he attempts to turn around the Dolphins' fortunes.
The Dolphins began promisingly in their match against the Tigers, taking an early lead with tries from Jack Bostock, Herbie Farnworth, and Kodi Nikorima. But a lapse in performance during the game's later stages, particularly after the 68th minute, allowed the Tigers to take control and secure the victory.
Woolf, remaining calm in the press, insisted there was no reason for alarm bells yet. "There’s no panic stations or anything like that at the moment. I’ve been in this position before, and so have most of the players. We’re not a mile off; we did a lot of good things out there tonight, but we need to stop beating ourselves. Once we do that, we’ll be a much better footy side," he stated, striving for optimism despite the Dolphins' less-than-stellar start.
With the season still young, the pressure is mounting for Woolf to extract more from the squad. Players like Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, despite being one of the prized assets on the team, failed to make an impact during the match, accumulating only 87 running meters from ten carries. Expert analyses suggest that he needs to engage more actively in the game if the Dolphins wish to tap into their full potential.
Tabuai-Fidow's performance drew comparisons to others in his position, such as Dylan Edwards or Kalyn Ponga, who are more consistently involved in key moments of their matches. The Dolphins need their best players like Tabuai-Fidow to step up, especially when games hang in the balance.
For Woolf, it's not about placing blame on individual players. Instead, he cited that several opportunities were missed. “We left three tries out there that were definite tries; we need to nail those opportunities when we’re there. When we made the errors, we tended to complicate them with penalties, so I’m not disappointed with every individual player,” he explained.
Another critical figure in the match was Tom Gilbert, whose admirable journey back to the field has been marked by struggles with injury. He made a notable impact against the Tigers with a remarkable try-saving tackle that showcased his tenacious spirit, even as his side ultimately fell short.
Reflecting on the game, Gilbert expressed his disappointment at leaving two games unclaimed, emphasizing the team's desire and work ethic to improve going forward. “I know the group we have out there are keen and hungry and want to be better, and we’ve got the work ethic to get better,” Gilbert said, striving to inspire confidence among his teammates amidst a challenging beginning to the season.
Despite the Dolphins’ disappointing record, new recruits like Kulikefu Finefeuiaki and Daniel Saifiti are offering fans glimpses of hope. Finefeuiaki's previous game against the Rabbitohs stood out, showcasing his ability with 121 running meters and five tackle busts. In the latest game, Saifiti backed this up with a solid performance against the Tigers, finishing with 125 running meters and 36 tackles—a testament to his commitment and skill.
As the season progresses, the Dolphins will need these players to step up and deliver if they hope to shake off the curse that has seemingly haunted coaches taking over for Wayne Bennett. Key support will need to come from the entire squad to elevate the Dolphins from their current before-pit.
For the Wests Tigers, this victory marks a crucial turning point in their season as they look to build on their success against the Dolphins and continue climbing the NRL ladder. With newfound momentum, they will aim for consecutive wins as they make a push for a stronger season.
Overall, it was a match that showcased resilience and determination from the Tigers while raising pivotal questions about the Dolphins' future under Kristian Woolf's leadership. The squads will need time to harmonize and find their footing in this transformative stage of their respective seasons. Fans will be watching closely as the next few weeks will prove crucial for both teams.
