Match Report: NRL Round 26 vs Roosters

Wests Tigers got away to a fast start by capitalising on an early Roosters’ error to score the first try of the evening through Triston Reilly.

It was the young centre’s first try in the top flight after making his NRL debut last weekend against the Dolphins.

The Roosters hit back in the 14th minute, with Sam Walker pushing through several missed tackles on his way to the line.

Both sides then traded penalty goals as the Roosters were dealt a major blow with fullback Joseph Manu succumbing to a leg injury.

However, they were able to overcome his absence to claim their first lead of the match following a penalty and set restart in quick succession to end the first half.

Trent Robinson’s men wasted no time in extending their advantage after the break as Terrell May crashed over from close range.

Joseph Suaalii pushed the lead out to eighteen points with a simple try in the right corner before Jared Waerea-Hargreaves was sent to the sin bin for a late hit on Api Koroisau.

Wests Tigers were unable to capitalise on the man advantage, with the only try of the final fifteen minutes going to Victor Radley.

Despite the loss, John Bateman led his side strongly in defence by making 39 tackles with zero missed.

Fullback Jahream Bula finished the penultimate game of his debut season with one try assist and a team-high of 150 running metres.

Wests Tigers will now prepare for an away trip to Brookvale next week as they finish their 2023 campaign against the Manly Sea Eagles.