Tigers live it up at Leichhardt

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Wests Tigers v Gold Coast Titans

The Wests Tigers have recorded their third win of the season with a come-from-behind performance to down the Gold Coast Titans 18-10 at Leichhardt Oval.

A day after $40 million was pledged to upgrade the iconic ground, courtesy of joint funding provided by the Federal Government, State Government and Inner West Council, the joint venture rallied to win consecutive matches in the same season at Leichhardt Oval for the first time since 2019.

Enduring a wretched run of nine straight losses and an injury toll that saw a further two players - Jordan Miller and Heath Mason - debuted in first grade, the Tigers defied expectations to the delight of a hearty group of 8,147 supporters braving the conditions.

The Titans shot out of the gate with two rampaging runs from Jojo Fifita and a 40/20 from Jayden Campbell, which gave the visitors the field position needed for Fifita (5th minute) to slide over for first points.

Responding with a four-pointer of their own off the back of a repeat set, returning playmaker Aidan Sezer threw a terrific pass that created space for Justin Olam (11th minute) to cross for his fifth try of the season.

Taking advantage of retreating defence after a dashing kick return by Keano Kini, veteran halfback Kieran Foran split the Tigers defence with a show-and-go before passing to his halves partner Jayden Campbell (19th minute) to regain the lead.

The Titans continued to mount pressure during the latter half of the first 40, without converting their ascendancy into points, to take a 10-6 lead at the change of ends.

Determined to make amends for last week's capitulation after halftime, the Tigers began to grow in confidence when a strong run from Samuela Fainu saw Olam (60th minute) collect his second out wide; a sideline conversion from Apisai Koroisau put the side in front for the first time.

Turning their confidence into genuine belief after repeatedly turning the Titans away on their goal line, a grubber from Koroisau at the other end of the field allowed Fonua Pole (76th minute) to seal a deserved victory at home.

Next week, the Tigers will host the Raiders at Campbelltown on Sunday afternoon, while the Titans will return home on Saturday afternoon to take on the Warriors.