“Back and forth” simply doesn’t do justice in trying to describe Wests Tigers’ incredible Round 3 victory over the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs in 2005.
Up against the defending premiers in the Bulldogs, Wests Tigers appeared shell-shocked early — going behind 18-6 with moments remaining in the first half. Tries to Brett Hodgson and Daniel Fitzhenry reduced the margin for Tim Sheens' side, before halfback Scott Prince stole back the lead for Wests Tigers with tries in the 44th and 51st minute.
A remarkable length-of-the-field try to Bronson Harrison in the 56th minute and another try to John Wilson saw Wests Tigers extend their lead to 36-18 with just 13 minutes to play, but the Bulldogs — defending premiers for a reason — continued to rally back.
Braith Anasta scored tries himself in the 71st and 78th minute, and set up Brent Sherwin also in the 75th minute, to incredibly lock the score up at 36-all in the final minute of play.
Golden point appeared destined to take place as the crowd urged both sides on but, after somehow re-gathering the kickoff through Robbie Farah, Wests Tigers had a chance to win back the match they had seemingly thrown away in the previous seven minutes.
The responsibility fell on Prince’s shoulders, and he rose to the occasion perfectly — kicking the field goal to send the Wests Tigers into delirium. Not only had had won their first game of the 2005 season, they had done it against the defending premiers too.
That win would set the platform for 17 more wins that season, with their final coming against the North Queensland Cowboys in the 2005 Grand Final. But few were as tense, and as unlikely, as their 37-36 victory against the Bulldogs on March 27, 2005.
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