A last-minute try to Corey Thompson and conversion from Tuimoala Lolohea has given Wests Tigers a thrilling victory over the Sydney Roosters today.
With a host of new attacking players in both sides, fans were perhaps expecting a more open first half than what was produced at ANZ Stadium, with the defence of Wests Tigers standing out most.
An early penalty goal from Tuimoala Lolohea gave the home side a 2-0 advantage, and incredibly, that scoreline would hold up through the entire first half despite a plethora of attacking chances.
A sin-bin to Luke Brooks early in the second half opened the game for the Roosters, and Latrell Mitchell levelled the match off the ensuing penalty goal. However, the visitors could not break the Wests Tigers' defensive resolve and the game was still level at 2-2 when Brooks was able to rejoin the action.
Lolohea put Wests Tigers back in front with another penalty goal 20 minutes from time, but an error on halfway shortly after gave the Roosters the chance to hit the lead which they did through Blake Ferguson.
Mitchell's sideline conversion pushed the visitors' lead to 8-4, before Corey Thompson sensationally levelled the score in the 78th minute with an acrobatic effort in the corner one minute from time.
Having already missed a penalty goal earlier in the day, Lolohea showed tremendous nerve to convert from the sideline — giving Wests Tigers their first win over the Sydney Roosters since 2011.
Wests Tigers 10 (Thompson tries; Lolohea 3/4 goals) def. Sydney Roosters 8 (Ferguson tries; Mitchell 2/2 goals)
