Match Report: NRL Round 1 vs Titans

While there were signs of the much-hyped Wests Tigers attack, repeated errors crippled the home side and saw the visitors to race out to an unassailable first-half lead.

An early penalty against Tanah Boyd provided the joint-venture with the chance to open the scoring through the boot of Adam Doueihi.

Neither team was able to cross the stripe in the following ten minutes, with David Nofoaluma providing the only highlight with a charge down to energise the Leichhardt faithful.

Despite Wests Tigers holding the upper hand, the Titans posted the first try of the match in the 13th minute as David Fifita broke through and passed to an unmarked Phillip Sami.

An error from David Nofoaluma then provided the visitors with the field position they needed to further their lead as Sami latched onto an AJ Brimson kick for his second of the afternoon.

Despite several sets on the opposition goal line, Wests Tigers were unable to break the stoic Titans defence and entered the sheds trailing 12-2.

Tim Sheens’ side made the worst possible start to the second half, with a penalty in the opening set leading to four points for former Wests Tigers forward Sam McIntyre.

However, it didn’t take long for the home side to hit back with Adam Doueihi busting through for the club’s first try of 2023.

Spurred on by the spirited crowd, Wests Tigers continued to create chances but couldn’t put the finishing touch on a number of promising backline moves.

Eventually, the Titans defence cracked and Adam Doueihi reduced the deficit to eight points by poking his head through the defensive line and unloading to Daine Laurie.

With the crowd rising, the Titans quickly snuffed out any hope of a famous Leichhardt comeback through a long-range try to AJ Brimson.

Despite the loss, there were a number of strong performances with nine players running for 100 metres or more.

Adam Doueihi was a standout for the home side, producing one try, one try assist and a team-high seven tackle busts.

Wests Tigers will return to Leichhardt Oval next Sunday to face the Newcastle Knights in Round 2 of the Telstra Premiership.