Report: Pre-Season Challenge vs Eels

Jack Bird and Jeral Skelton scored their first tries in new colours to headline the victory in the club’s final match before the season proper begins.

Wests Tigers started fast when Tallyn Da Silva was stopped just short of the line after 5 minutes; however, Eels fullback Isaiah Iongi sliced through from a scrum to post the night's first points.

In the 26th minute, a perfectly weighted kick from halfback Adam Doueihi led to Brent Naden touching down.

Doueihi’s conversion made it 6-6, and Jack Bird replied with a try of his own shortly after, as Tallyn Da Silva sent the lock forward through the line.

An unfortunate injury to Naden then led to a halt in proceedings before the Eels crossed through winger Sean Russell.

Wests Tigers managed to grab an outstanding team try on the stroke of half-time, as Lachlan Galvin busted through the line and combined with halves partner Adam Doueihi to set Jeral Skelton up for a four-pointer.

Skelton’s try meant the home side led 18-12 at the break, but the Eels levelled proceedings after 48 minutes through Jack Williams.

Tristan Hope reestablished the Wests Tigers lead in the 56th minute as the impressive dummy half darted his way over from close range.

The likes of Lachlan Galvin, Samuela Fainu and Starford To’a were then put on ice, and a late try to Solomona Faataape secured the 30-18 result for Wests Tigers to send the Leichhardt fans home happy.

Wests Tigers 30 (Naden, Bird, Skelton, Hope, Faataape tries; Doueihi 5/5 goals) defeated Eels 18 (Iongi, Russell, Williams tries; Lomax 2/2 goals, Volkman 1/1 goal) at Leichhardt Oval