The Wests Tigers have been struggling to make their spiritual home, Leichhardt Oval, feel like a fortress this season. Despite the absence of Leichhardt Oval, due to renovation, the Tigers still managed to put up a fight against the Dolphins. However, it wasn't enough to take the win.
The Tigers' recent record at Campbelltown Stadium read just one win from their last eight matches. This makes the Dolphins' 36-22 win a stark reminder of the Tigers' struggles. The Dolphins were missing several key players, including Max Plath, Thomas Flegler, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, and Selwyn Cobbo, who were all rested after their State of Origin heroics. However, it was the Wests Tigers who were dealt a double blow when halfback Jock Madden and centre Patrick Herbert were ruled out due to injuries.
Madden's concussion came after a collision with Dolphins' forward Morgan Knowles, while Herbert's injury forced him off the field in the first half. The Tigers' woes were compounded by a try to Dolphins forward Connelly Lemuelu, courtesy of a Brad Schneider pass that looked suspiciously forward. The Tigers were unable to capitalize on their early chances, despite the efforts of their stars, Jarome Luai and Apisai Koroisau.
Koroisau, who was fresh from warming the NSW Blues bench, showed creativity and a threat to the Dolphins' markers. His dummy half runs and passes caused trouble for the Dolphins' defense. However, it was Kodi Nikorima who stole the show with his exceptional playmaking skills. He set up a try with a short pass, then with a long one. He also saved another try and scored the one that put the result beyond doubt.
The Dolphins have now set a club record with their seventh consecutive win, scoring 30 points or more in each of the matches. For the Wests Tigers, the only way to end their longest finals-less streak in the NRL is to win. They have plenty of time left in the season, but their recent form suggests that it will be a challenge.
"I'm of the opinion, and always have been, that no matter where you play, you play your best footy week in and week out," Tigers coach Benji Marshall said. "Whether you play at home or play away, you've got to get it right. We just need to execute better. We showed a lot of resilience today. A lot of fight. There were moments and execution we would like back again ..."
The Wests Tigers will need to regroup and come up with a new strategy to break their winless streak. They have a tough road ahead, but they can take heart from their resilience and fight in the match against the Dolphins.