NRL Round 2: Canberra Raiders win 32-12 over Wests Tigers

A loss in their season opener capped off a horror day for the Tigers across all grades, while the Raiders flexed their muscles to go two from two in 2024.

CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA – MARCH 16: Zac Hosking of the Raiders celebrates a try during the round two NRL match between Canberra Raiders and Wests Tigers at GIO Stadium, on March 16, 2024, in Canberra, Australia. (Photo by Jenny Evans/Getty Images)

Benji Marshall and Shane Richardson will have to work over-time to help repair the Tigers after a horror showing across all grades on Saturday.

The NRL side’s 32-12 loss in their first game of the season – which doubled as Marshall’s debut as a head coach – capped a disappointing day for the club who lost six of seven matches from Harold Matthews through to first grade.

Only Western Suburbs under-17s Harold Matthews team tasted success with a 26-14 win against South Sydney. In all other grades – one Harold Matthew, two SG Ball, Jersey Flegg and NSW Cup, they lost by a combined 262-62 in another disappointing day for the club.

Richardson has spoken about the desire for the Tigers to become a development club. The task might be far tougher than the new chief executive ever envisaged.

At NRL level, they started like a side who had claimed successive wooden spoons. Despite a change of coach, it was the same old Tigers and a far cry from Marshall’s playing debut after he enjoyed a 52-12 win against Newcastle in 2003.

More than 20 years on and Marshall has his work cut out for him to try and resurrect the Tigers as head coach.

Matthew Timoko looks to evade a tackle from debutant Lachlan Galvin. Picture: Jenny Evans/Getty Images

Apisai Koroisau leads a Tigers team talk. Picture: Jenny Evans/Getty Images

They surrendered two tries in the opening 11 minutes and struggled to get any control with the ball.

A standout moment was the combination of debutant Lachlan Galvin throwing an inside ball to fullback Jahream Bula who laid on the final pass for Samulea Fainu to score. The trio have an average age of 20 and represent the hope which the Tigers faithful came into the season with.

At the other end of the spectrum, skipper Api Koroisau was again among the Tigers best but again did not have the support he needed.

Jayden Sullivan lasted just 55 minutes in his first game for the club before the halfback was pulled from the field for 32-year-old Aidan Sezer.

The halves situation is expected to once again be a merry-go-round for the Tigers before Jarome Luai’s eventual arrival next year.

Until then, the Tigers fans will have to hold on.

Originally published as NRL Round 2: Canberra Raiders win 32-12 over Wests Tigers