Match Report: ANZAC Round vs Sea Eagles

Over ten thousand fans braved the wet weather to witness a strong performance from the home side, who led with ten minutes remaining but were unable to hold on for victory.

In a tight first half, Wests Tigers enjoyed a strong start with Isaiah Papali’i crossing the stripe, only to be disallowed due to a double movement.

The potent Manly attack would eventually make the hosts’ pay for their inability to score as a Haumole Olakau’atu offload sparked a long-range try for Daly Cherry-Evans.

Olakau’atu then doubled the pain for the Campbelltown faithful, bursting through for a try of his own in the 20th minute.

Brandon Wakeham brought the home fans to their feet with a spirited kick chase that forced an error from Tom Trbojevic.

Wests Tigers took advantage of the ensuing field position, with Charlie Staines finishing a left-to-right shift with an acrobatic touchdown in the corner.

The scores would remain at 12-6 until both sides hit the sheds for the half time interval.

An early penalty inside the attacking twenty allowed Reuben Garrick to record the first two points of the second half and extend his team’s lead to eight.

It wouldn’t remain that way for long however, with Api Korisau claiming the ball from a scrum and bursting through two tackles to score his second try in the orange, black and white.

Starford To’A then brought the home fans to their feet with a barnstorming run to give Wests Tigers their first lead since Round 1.

However, Jason Saab cruelled the fairytale finish for the joint-venture as he stole the ball from the clutches of Junior Tupou and scored to regain the lead.

A late penalty goal to Daly Cherry-Evans pushed the lead out to one converted try, where it stayed until full time.

Wests Tigers will now turn their attention to their next match against the reigning premiers at Carrington Park in Bathurst.