Wests Tigers down Sydney Roosters 10-8 in epic fashion at ANZ Stadium

A SIDELINE conversion to Tui Lolohea in the final moments has given the Tigers an epic 10-8 victory over the highly-fancied Roosters.

The Tigers celebrate their win over the Roosters during the Round 1 NRL match between the Wests Tigers and the Sydney Roosters at ANZ Stadium in Sydney, Saturday, March 10, 2018. (AAP Image/Dean Lewins) NO ARCHIVING, EDITORIAL USE ONLY

COOPER Cronk discovered life without Melbourne isn’t easy as his star-studded Sydney Roosters suffered a shock opening round loss to a resilient Wests Tigers led by a rejuvenated Benji Marshall.

The new-look Roosters, boosted by Cronk and NSW fullback James Tedesco, were expected to steamroll the Tigers.

But Ivan Cleary’s men had other ideas.

The Tigers excelled without big-name buy Josh Reynolds, who tore his hamstring while attempting the final kick of Friday’s captain’s run.

Reynolds’ departure opened the door for prodigal son Marshall to make his triumphant return to the Tigers after 1644 days.

The veteran Kiwi was outstanding, controlling proceedings with his pinpoint kicking and passing.

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Marshall credited a pre-match text message from former Brisbane and New Zealand coach Wayne Bennett for helping him overcome his nerves.

“I got a nice message from the big fella, which was nice,” an elated Marshall said post-match.

“I sent Wayne a good luck for the season message and he wrote back today saying, ‘go out there and be the Benji we know at the Tigers and enjoy yourself and play footy.

“It was great to hear from him because that was the most nervous I’ve been since my debut.

“It was weird, man. I’ve never been quiet before the game like I was today.”

In the end, diminutive winger Corey Thompson delivered the decisive play for the Tigers with three minutes remaining.

Thompson out-paced Daniel Tupou before leaping to score a brilliant solo try.

“I did a little stutter to make him (Tupou) lose his feet and I was lucky enough to get over,” Thompson said.

Thompson scored the Tigers only try in the final minutes.

“I was tired in the first half and it went back and forth for a long time.

“We showed what we’re made of all pre-season and we never doubted ourselves.”

Coach Ivan Cleary praised Thompson’s match-sealing try, saying he epitomised the culture the Tigers are trying to build.

Told about Cleary’s comments, the former Bulldogs flyer said he is just greatful to be back in the NRL after a two-year stint with Widnes in England.

“Ivan has given me a shot to come back and I just wanted to put in during pre-season when I wasn’t feeling well and wanted to sleep in and not show up,” he said.

“I forced myself to go there every day and I was lucky enough to get a start.”

Fullback Tuimoala Lolohea capped off the Tigers’ victory with a sensational sideline conversion.

Lolohea has worked on his goal kicking with premiership-winning club legend Brett Hodgson.

He says this hard work paid off when it mattered most.

“I’ve been taught by Hodgo to always think your kick is going in, so I was pretty confident it was going over,” Lolohea said.

The game was an enthralling physical battle.

“It was cool to get the kick in to win the game and there is no better feeling to start off the season with a win.”

According to Marshall, the Tigers’ calmness under pressure was no fluke.

“In the pre-season Ivan made us practice winning and if you lost anything you got punished for it with running,” he revealed.

“We actually had to practice winning and I thought that helped us at the backend of that game.

“The boys really put in for each other and we gained each other’s respect.”

Marshall was rapt with the win, but he knows the Tigers can’t get carried away with a date against defending premiers Melbourne next Saturday.

Tedesco wasn’t as sharp as he would have liked during his Roosters debut.

“We’ve got to back it up now,” he said frankly.

“If we don’t come out next week and put in the same intensity and attitude, it looks like today was a fluke.

“So come Monday we’ve got to turn it around again.”

Ivan Cleary’s men were impressive, but the much-hyped Roosters were rusty.

Former Tigers star James Tedesco enjoyed a mixed debut for the Tricolours.

Tedesco was booed by the Tigers faithful every time he touched the football.

This pressure resulted in several fumbles from the usually safe Camden Rams junior.

Cooper Cronk was classy on debut for the Roosters after 14 seasons in Melbourne. Cronk’s kicking game was particularly strong, while his combinations will improve with more game time.

Coach Trent Robinson believes his side made too many errors to compete.

“I thought we tried to do what we wanted to do in attack, but there were high errors and a lack of combinations,” Robinson said.

WESTS TIGERS 10 (C Thompson try T Lolohea 3 goals) bt SYDNEY ROOSTERS 8 (B Ferguson try L Mitchell 2 goals) at ANZ Stadium. Referee: Gavin Badger, Peter Gough. Crowd: 18,243

Originally published as Wests Tigers down Sydney Roosters 10-8 in epic fashion at ANZ Stadium