SG Ball: Tigers show off depth with gutsy win against Knights

The Tigers SG Ball side were missing two halves, two hookers and a fullback, and yet they still held off the Knights on a day when Penrith had a field day.

SG Ball football Wests Tigers versus Newcastle Knights at Balmain today with Balmain winning 26-22. Tigers celebrate a try by number 17, Sione Vaihu. Picture: David Swift

They’re missing two halves, two hookers and a fullback, but the Tigers proved they are still serious SG Ball contenders in 2021.

Demonstrating Balmain’s depth, young five-eighth Rylee Blackhall stepped up to steer his side to a thrilling 26-22 win over the Newcastle Knights at Leichhardt Oval on Saturday.

Tigers winger Harrison Henson also starred with a hat-trick that ultimately ensured that Newcastle couldn’t pull off a gutsy comeback and steal the match in the dying seconds.

SG Ball: Tigers celebrate a try by number 17, Sione Vaihu. Picture: David Swift

“We were in control of the first half, then lost control in the second half. Newcastle kept coming at us, it was tough,” Tigers SG Ball coach Scott Kenna said.

“(Henson) was good, he’s got to thank the guys inside him too, but he was great, we all stuck to our processes,” Tigers SG Ball coach Scott Kenna said.

“Fonua Pole stood up, had great contact in attack and defence.

“And Young Rylee had control of the first half, it was his chance today, with our two halves out.“

Tigers number 13, Braydon Guyan gets a pass away. Picture: David Swift

Try-scorers Campbell Fisher, Henson (3) and Sione Vaihu set Balmain up with an early lead, while enforcer Vaka Aho entertained the crowd with a series of massive shots.

But after a slow start, Newcastle managed to click for the final 15 minutes.

Knights lock Lachlan Williams was a constant threat and eventually steamrolled over to inspire a late fight back.

Thomas Cant and Noah Ryan followed suit and a gutsy play by Noah Nailagoliva gave the visitors a chance to steal the match in the final minute.

But in the end, Balmain pulled down big Tevita Toloi – inches from the line – to secure the win.

Newcastle number 11, Thomas Cant scored a late try. Picture: David Swift

AROUND THE GROUNDS

Manly and Souths just couldn’t be separated and finished all locked up 22-22.

The Sea Eagles pulled off a brilliant second half comeback thanks to late tries from Daniel O’Donnell, Krystian Mapapalangi and Faafetai Autagavaia, but missed a field goal to edge in front.

Penrith had a field day against the Dragons, scoring a whopping 11 tries in their 64-10 demolition. Skipper Connor Mason scored a hat-trick and cricket/footy star Ryley Smith bagged a double.

Parramatta survived a scare from the Bears in their 24-22 win. Eels’ no.6 Josh Chappel was calm under pressure, nailed tricky conversions and a clutch 40/20. Parramatta prop Jontay Betham-Misa was another standout, playing a full game in the front row and carrying for over 150 metres.

And Roosters second rower Zac Montgomery – who has just spent pre-season with the Chooks’ NRL side – crashed over twice in his team’s 28-16 win over Illawarra.

Newcastle number 18, Noah Ryan dives over. Picture: David Swift

HAROLD MATTS CUP

Halfback Taj Blackman and fullback Fletcher Sharpe are forming a dangerous combination for the Knights – the no.1 scored two tries off perfectly weighted Blackman grubbers at Leichhardt Oval.

“They’re complimenting each other really well, it was only Sharpe’s second game as a fullback too,” Knights coach and former NSW prop Mark O‘Meley said.

“We’ve got a couple of injuries, but it will be more about how we handle ourselves next week, Penrith are the benchmark”

Big centre Ethan Ferguson was also a handful for the Tigers. Balmain skipper Tony Sukkar was brave in defence and scored a brilliant run away try but the Knights were just too good.

Around the grounds, Manly, Penrith, Western Suburbs and the Central Coast also secured back-to-back wins.

TARSHA GALE CUP

Reigning champions the Illawarra Steelers kicked off their campaign with a massive win over the Sydney Roosters Indigenous Academy. The scoreboard might only read 10-4, but the Roosters established themselves as one of the teams to beat last week after their big 42-0 victory over the Bulldogs. Dragons NRLW star Teagan Berry shone for Illawarra and scored in the first half.