Everything’s Fainu as Wests Tigers stun Roosters

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Sydney Roosters v Wests Tigers

It was a family affair for the Wests Tigers as the Fainu brothers inspired the joint venture to a stunning 30-28 upset over the Sydney Roosters.

Having to wait until the final siren to secure one of the upsets of the season, all three Fainu brothers - Latu, Sione and Samuela - crossed for tries as the Wests Tigers recorded their first win over the Roosters since 2018 - and only their third win from 25 meetings since 2010.

The win was built off the back of a dominant first half with the joint venture leading 20-0 after half an hour, however the Roosters refused to wilt and almost got out of jail during an entertaining encounter played before a crowd of 24,311 supporters at Allianz Stadium. 

Having conceded the first try in their last seven matches, the Wests Tigers made a stunning beginning to the match with Starford To'a going down the blindside and throwing a flick pass to send Charlie Staines (9th minute) over for first points.

Going further ahead via an Adam Doueihi penalty goal, the visitors made their opponents pay for mistakes with rookie halfback Latu Fainu (24th minute) swooping on a loose ball and racing 50 metres to touch down underneath the posts.

The one-way flow of points continued with Sione Fainu (30th minute) crashing through from close range to put the joint venture up 20-0.

Having been held up over the line on three occasions earlier in the half, the Roosters had better luck going over the Tigers with Daniel Tupou (34th minute) soaring through the air before Mark Nawaqanitawase (39th minute) powered his way over to reduce the halftime deficit to 20-10.

Undeterred by their defensive lapses late in the first half, the Tigers resumed their attacking potency with Samuela Fainu (43rd minute) rounding out the family hat-trick with a powerful run, while a second penalty goal from Doueihi pushed the Tigers out by three converted tries.

Tom Rodwell was denied a four-pointer by a heroic effort from Latu Fainu, however the Roosters' debutant wasn't to be denied moments later with a strong run down the sideline resulting in a try for Hugo Savala (56th minute).

With the Tigers failing to attempt a field goal despite multiple opportunities close to the posts, the Roosters narrowed the margin with Nawaqanitawase (74th minute) crossing to make it a six-point game.

Doueihi clinched the game with a penalty two minutes from time only for James Tedesco (79th minute) to score with seconds left on the clock.

Having come so close during a run of six straight losses, the Tigers weren't to be denied this time and emerged with their first win since Magic Round.

The result marked a memorable day for Alex Twal - the only remaining player from the last Wests Tigers side to defeat the Roosters seven years ago - as he claimed victory in his first match as captain of the club.

Next week, the Roosters will travel to Kogarah on Saturday evening to face the Dragons, while the Wests Tigers will take on the Warriors in Auckland on Sunday afternoon.