West Tigers defeat Manly
amidst referee controversy

Tigers 24 vs Sea Eagles 18
Round 9 - NRL
Leichhardt Oval. Crowd: 20,231
Referee: Russell Smith

Wests Tigers have held on to defeat the Manly Sea Eagles 24-18 amidst numerous controversial referee decisions at Leichhardt Oval today.

In the 72nd minute, referee Russell Smith penalised Manly's Paul Stephenson for an incorrect play-the-ball despite the winger receiving interference from Tigers lock Jamaal Lolesi. The resulting penalty goal gave Wests Tigers a six point lead and the winning edge.

It was one of several controversial referee decisions in a thrilling encounter, which saw a number of disallowed tries with breaches from both sides being missed by the referee and touch judges.

After the match, Wests Tigers assistant coach Royce Simmonds was prompted to criticise the decisions in saying he "felt sorry" for the officials who he believed were "out of their depth" on a number of occasions.

It was disappointing afternoon for Manly captain Ben Kennedy who was forced from the field with a calf strain in the 15th minute, Kennedy was backing up from Friday night's Test match. Half back Matt Orford then assumed the skipper role.

Robbie Farah, wearing the No.7 jersey, played at hooker and looked in tremendous form in setting up two tries for Wests Tigers in the opening 10 minutes.

With Australian rep Steve Menzies leading the way, Manly fought their way back into the match. Soon after, Manly's Michael Monaghan got the benefit of the doubt from video ref Chris Ward to take the score to 10-8 in favour of the Tigers.

Manly's third try brought howls from the huge crowd when referee Smith missed a blatant knock-on in the lead-up to Steve Bell's four-pointer. The try and conversion gave Manly a 14-10 lead.

But the Tigers struck back through Dean Collis and at half time the home side held a narrow 16-14 lead.

In the 47th minute halfback Scott Prince brilliantly intercepted to score and put the Tigers further ahead. Menzies then setup play and replied through Stephenson who scored in the 56th minute to put the visitors back into the contest.

With time running out, Hodgson kicked a penalty goal to put the Tigers six points in front.

Wests Tigers: 24
Tries: Dean Collis, Daniel Fitzhenry, Todd Payten, Scott Prince
Goals: Brett Hodgson 4/5
Manly Sea Eagles: 18
Tries: Steve Menzies, Michael Monaghan, Paul Stephenson, Steve Bell
Goals: Matt Orford 1/4

By the clock:
Plenty of players backing up from Friday's Test match but both teams pretty close to sides named. Kick off..!

5 min: Still 0-0. Wests Tigers getting the early run of possession.

6 min: TRY Wests Tigers
Todd Payten scores out wide for the Tigers. Brett Hodgson unable to convert
Tigers 4-0

9 min: TRY Wests Tigers
Daniel Fitzhenry scores for Wests Tigers. Hodgson converts.
Tigers 10-0

13 min: TRY Manly Sea Eagles
Steve Menzies strikes back for Manly. Matt Orford unsuccessful with conversion attempt.
Tigers 10-4

19 min: TRY Manly Sea Eagles
Michael Monaghan scores for Manly. Conversion unsuccessful.
Tigers 10-8

30 min: TRY Manly Sea Eagles
Steve Bell continues his good form with a try as Manly hit the front. Conversion from Oford is successful.
Sea Eagles 14-10

38 min: TRY Wests Tigers
Dean Collis scores to level the scores. Hodgson's conversion puts the home side back in front!
Tigers 16-14

Half time: Tigers 16-14
A tight first half possession-wise with Wests Tigers getting early breaks only to see Manly get the better share as the half progressed. Too close to call.

Second half underway...

47 min: TRY Wests Tigers
Scott Prince gets a try and Wests Tigers go further ahead. Hodgson converts.
Tigers 22-14

56 min: TRY Manly Sea Eagles
Paul Stephenson scores to bring Manly back into contention. Orford unsuccessful with the conversion.
Tigers 22-18

60 min: Possible try to Benji Marshall for the Tigers - video ref checking...
VERDICT: NO TRY.

70 min: Still Wests Tigers in front 22-18.

72 min: PENALTY GOAL Wests Tigers
Hodsgon slots a penalty goal.
Tigers 24-18

78 min: NEWS Tigers have the ball as the clock wounds down. Crowd: 20,231

Full tme: Wests Tigers win 24-18. A thriller with the goal kicking being the difference.
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Leagueunlimited.com players of the match:
3 - Robert Farah (Tigers)
2 - Steve Menzies (Sea Eagles)
1 - Brett Hodgson (Tigers)
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