Pathways Report: Tarsha Gale Cup

Wests Tigers had another successful season in the 2021 Tarsha Gale Cup — finishing the season with a winning record and a top four finish.

Although the U/19s women’s players were disappointed they couldn’t go all the way in 2021, they have plenty of reasons to be proud of themselves following an impressive campaign.

With five wins from eight games in the regular season, Wests Tigers finished in fourth position on the ladder, however they were knocked out in the Elimination Final by St George Dragons — who went on to win the competition.  

Wests Tigers went undefeated at home in 2021, winning all four games in front of their fans — including a 20-12 triumph over the eventual premieres, the Dragons, in Round 4.

A highlight of the season was seeing local junior and Tarsha Gale Cup captain Jessica Kennedy progress from the U/19s to the Harvey Norman NSW Women’s Premiership.

She made her debut against Glebe Dirty Reds in Round 9 at Campbelltown Stadium, becoming Wests Tigers Women’s Player #50.

Kennedy’s progression through the Wests Tigers development system is another example of club’s success and commitment to the women’s game.

Kennedy joined the likes of Emily and Sophie Curtain as players who have progressed from the Wests Tigers Tarsha Gale Cup side into the club’s Harvey Norman NSW Women’s Premiership.

“Our captain Jess Kennedy played every minute of the season in the middle of the field,” Wests Tigers Tarsha Gale Cup coach David Fauonuku said.

“She has been in our side for three years — two years as captain — and she’s had a great year.

“She’s been the standout all year and hopefully she can keep playing well and go on to bigger things.”

A MATTER OF STATS

Ladder position — 4th

Played — 8

Wins — 5

Draws — 0

Losses — 3

Points scored — 145 (5th)

Points conceded — 150 (5th)

Home record — 4-0

Away record — 1-3

Players used — 26

35 DOWN

We caught up with Wests Tigers Tarsha Gale Cup players Hope Tevaga and Folau Vaki, as well as coach David Fauonuku, to discuss Women's Pathways at the club.

BEST GAME

In the final match of the regular season — with play-off positions on the line — Wests Tigers produced one of the biggest upsets of the season as they dominated the second-placed Illawarra Steelers to secure a top four position.

With plenty to play for, Wests Tigers raced out the blocks to score three tries — including a double to Jayme Willingham — in the opening 19 minutes to shock their opponents.

Wests Tigers held a 25-0 lead before the home side scored two consolation tries as the match ended 25-10 at Collegians Sporting Complex in Wollongong.

2021 RESULTS