Full Time
80:00
3:00pm Sat August 19, 2023
Round 25 - CommBank Stadium, Parramatta / Burramattagal - Crowd: 9245

Match Overview

The Wests Tigers have broken through for their first win in three months with a 24-23 victory over the Dolphins in their final home game of the season.

Breaking a run of ten consecutive losses to remain a mathematical chance of avoiding the wooden spoon with two rounds to play, an immortal sideline penalty goal from Apisai Koroisau clinched the result in Benji Marshall's unofficial coaching debut.  

Following an error-riddled opening which saw both teams struggle with the ball in hand, a fortuitous bomb from Apisai Koroisau allowed Fonua Pole (13th minute) to crash over after Stefano Utoikamanu offloaded close to the line.

The Dolphins responded minutes later with Jamayne Isaako (17th minute) running onto a beautiful ball from Kodi Nikorima, however the 6-all scoreline was short-lived after Asu Kepaoa (22nd minute) stretched out following a dazzling display of footwork by Jahream Bula.

Sean O'Sullivan exposed John Bateman in defence with a dummy before linking with Euan Aitken (27th minute) in support; Isaako's wayward conversion attempt saw the Tiger hold a two-point advantage at the end of 40 minutes.

Taking advantage of a penalty following the resumption of play, the Dolphins hit the front for the first time after a crossfield bomb from O'Sullivan allowed Jack Bostock (43rd minute) to claim his first career try.

Regaining the lead with two tries in the space of four minutes, Alex Seyfarth (53rd minute) crashed through the Dolphins defence for his first four-pointer of the season before Jake Simpkin (57th minute) burrowed over to give the Tigers an eight-point buffer.

Coming off the bench late in the first half, 26-year-old fullback Trai Fuller (64th minute) lit up CommBank Stadium by breaking through several tackles to touch down for a try in his first game. 

Locking the scores up at 22-all after the Tigers conceded a penalty while in possession, a drop goal from Isaako seemingly clinched the result for the Dolphins with five minutes remaining.

Gaining the ball back from a short kick-off and earning a penalty close to the sideline, the Tigers sealed a famous 24-23 victory with Koroisau etching his named into the history of the joint venture with an immortal penalty goal from the sideline.

Next week, the Tigers will face the Roosters at Allianz Stadium on Saturday evening, while the Dolphins will return to Suncorp Stadium to take on the Cowboys on Friday night.

3. Apisai Koroisau

Filling in at halfback with distinction, the Tigers captain stood up with the match on the line.

2. Alex Twal

Getting through a tonne of work with and without the ball, the cult hero made the most of his starting opportunity.

1. Sean O'Sullivan

Playing a key role in the Dolphins attack, O'Sullivan was heavily involved for the visitors.