Pathways Report: Harvey Norman NSW Women’s Premiership

Wests Tigers produced another successful season in the Harvey Norman Women’s Premiership as Neil Stanley’s side once again reached the finals before the season was suspended due to COVID-19.

With six wins and five losses to their name, Wests Tigers finished the regular season in sixth position on the ladder, setting up a thrilling elimination final against the Sharks, however the match never went ahead as Sydney went into a city-wide lockdown.

Although it wasn’t an ideal way to finish the season and it was a disappointing result for the club, Wests Tigers were proud of the efforts of the entire playing group and staff.

The side enjoyed a number of comprehensive victories throughout the year, including three wins by 46 points or more.

As well as enjoying a 54-5 win over Cabramatta on the opening day of the season, Wests Tigers had a number of memorable moments throughout 2021.

One of the highlights was seeing local junior Jessica Kennedy progress from the Tarsha Gale Cup to make her senior debut in Round 9 against Glebe Dirty Reds, becoming Wests Tigers Women’s Player #50.

ANZAC Day was a special occasion for the women’s players as the side took on Wentworthville in a special encounter and it was fitting that Wests Tigers player and Australian Army member Ash Makim bagged a double to help her team to victory.

It was also great to see sisters combine throughout the season as Page and Raecene McGregor reunited on the field, while Emily and Sophie Curtain starred for the team throughout the year.

Wests Tigers players would show their class on the representative stage — McGregor sisters and Botille Vette-Welsh all starring for the Maori All Stars as they chalked up a dominant 24-0 win over the Indigenous All Stars in February.

Representative honours continued to flow for Wests Tigers players, who were selected in teams throughout the season, including NSW City Origin and NSW Women's State of Origin outfits, as well as the Australian Defence Force and QLD Sapphires at the Harvey Norman Championships.

 A MATTER OF STATS

Ladder position — 6th

Wins — 6

Draws — 0

Losses — 5

Points scored — 300 (4th)

Points conceded — 220 (7th)

Home record — 4-2

Away record — 2-3

Players used — 28

BEST GAME

Although they had a number of dominant games throughout the campaign — including three wins by 46 points or more — the most impressive performance came against St Marys in Round 5. 

Playing at Leichhardt Oval on a stunning Sunday, Wests Tigers held off a fast finishing St Marys side — one of the top teams in the competition. 

Page McGregor and Botille Vette-Welsh scored first-half tries to give the home side the advantage before Rebecca Pollard bagged a double to secure a 20-16 win.

2022 OUTLOOK

The dates of the new season are yet to be finalised, as the NRLW has been postponed until February — a competition that will feature a handful of Wests Tigers players — but Wests Tigers will certainly be ready for another strong year.

Wests Tigers will have the goal of returning to the playoffs in 2022 as they have done throughout the past few years, as well as more success throughout the year.

2021 RESULTS