NRL Round 25: Live scores, SuperCoach analysis from Wests Tigers’ 34-26 win over Manly Sea Eagles
It was the Tom Trbojevic show as the Sea Eagles fullback put on a clinic, before the Tigers produced a stunning upset. See the SuperCoach Winners and Losers from Thursday night footy.
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The Wests Tigers produced a spirited comeback from 16-0 down to knock off Manly, keeping them on edge for another week as they failed to secure a finals berth.
It was a wild night at Leichhardt Oval with three Manly players spending time in the sin bin at various stages of the contest.
Here’s how the night panned out in SuperCoach world:
SUPERCOACH WINNERS
1. Tom Trbojevic (161) – Who else but Turbo. It’s no understatement to suggest that the Sea Eagles would’ve been beaten by 20 if it wasn’t for the fullback. He was superb and rewarded those brave enough to put the captain tag on him.
2. Samuela Fainu (81) – Those who owned him were jumping out of their seats after he scored with the very last play of the game. Added a nice little boost to his score on a great night for the family.
3. Alex Seyfarth (77) – Was at his niggling best, constantly getting in the face of the Sea Eagles. And it worked as he produced the third-highest score of the night and his second best score of 2024.
4. Api Koroisau (75) – It felt like he deserved a much bigger score for the impact he had. Was the reason for the turnaround in the first half and he came up with some very nice moments to lift his side.
5. Heath Mason (55) – The pocket rocket fullback had a night to remember with the first try of his career. Will keep the fullback jersey in round 27 and gets another audition for a major role next season.
SUPERCOACH LOSERS
1. Corey Waddell (5) – His 16 minutes of game-time takes into account a sin bin in the second half. Was a late inclusion into the side but his most memorable moment was being the third Sea Eagle to be sent.
2. Junior Tupou (13) – Shifted to the wing with Charlie Staines moving into the centres, but their side of the field saw little ball in good territory and his score was virtually rock bottom as a result.
3. Charlie Staines (20) – You can virtually copy and paste the above comment and switch the names around. Whilst he hasn’t set the SC world on fire this year, tonight’s total was his lowest score of 2024.
4. Ben Trbojevic (23) – If you haven’t already marked Burbo as a sell, now is the time. Got the nod to start and played 59 minutes in the second row, but again he let SuperCoaches down.
5. Daly Cherry-Evans (36) – When the game was there to be taken, it has to be said that DCE was found wanting. Didn’t have the impact the Sea Eagles needed at crucial times.
MATCH REPORT
The Wests Tigers know all too well what it’s like to play a man down this season, but for once they got to play against 12 men not once, not twice, but thrice after Manly’s Ethan Bullemor, Haumole Olakau’atu and Corey Waddell were sent to the sin bin in one of the wildest games of the year.
The 30 minutes of pain proved too much for Manly to overcome after they blew a big lead to lose 34-26 and effectively cost themselves any chance of a top-four finish as their opponents went a long way to avoiding a third-straight wooden spoon.
Referee Peter Gough laid down the law early on with the visitors penalised six times in the first half, with Bullemor paying the price for laying in the tackle too long and marched four minutes before the break.
Another game to be decided by a referee. Disgraceful penalty on Jurbo for great tackle changed momentum of the game. Now a sin bin. It’s a friggen joke
— BUZZ ROTHFIELD (@BuzzRothfield) August 22, 2024
As he ran back onto the field, Olakau’atu ran past him up the tunnel after the edge forward was sent to the sin bin for a high shot on Heath Mason that divided opinion on social media and led to an Alex Seyfarth try at the other end.
Things then got plain weird when Corey Waddell was sent to the sin for a high shot on Solomon Alaimalo even though it looked like Taniela Paseka had done the most damage with a high shot.
Even the game’s friendliest man couldn’t escape the whistle with Jake Trbojevic penalised for a dangerous tackle which was so textbook perfect that it could win hit of the week.
HORROR RETURN
While schools across the state celebrated book week, it was boo night at Leichhardt as a raucous crowd of 11,520 gave it to Luke Brooks from the moment he ran out for warm-ups all the way through to the final whistle.
Brooks used to cop it when he was wearing a Tigers jersey so it came as no surprise that the Sea Eagles five-eighth was on the receiving end of relentless jeers in his first game back at the eighth wonder of the world.
The crowd gave it to him when his name was read out before the game while they absolutely loved it when the ball squirted out of his hands in the first half and then when he sent a kick sailing out on the full.
Brooks will likely end his finals drought in a few weeks, but this was not the homecoming he had hoped for with the veteran having as many missed tackles as runs.
PUT AWAY THE SPOON
The Tigers faithful haven’t had much to cheer about for a decade, but you would have thought that they’d won the comp when Samuela Fainu crashed over in the final minute.
After one of the wildest games of the year, they are now level with the Eels on 16 points and have the bye next week before they host Parramatta in the final round.
If they win that one then they will avoid the spoon and take some momentum into 2025 when things should improve with Jarome Luai steering the team around.
It looked like they’d concede 50 when Manly’s back three all scored in the opening 22 minutes, but skipper Api Koroisau sparked them into life with a solo effort as they scored five tries in a row to hit the lead.
But things are never easy as Tom Trbojevic grabbed two quick tries to complete his hat-trick, with the fullback and Jason Saab both coughing up the ball in the final few minutes as Manly threatened a ridiculous comeback.
—Martin Gabor
FULL-TIME - Tigers 34-26
Similar to last week, the Tigers built up a lead and doggedly tried to defend it with their opponents coming home with a wet sail.
A Tom Trbojevic break set up a golden chance to take the lead late, with Haumole Olakau’atu getting a lovely offload over the top, only for Jason Saab to drop the easy catch.
His hands have been shocking over the last little period.
Another error gives the Tigers one last chance and Samuela Fainu scores in the corner to put the icing on the cake of a famous win.
Here are the top SuperCoach scores from full-time:
70th minute - Tigers 30-26
The Sea Eagles need a minor miracle and Tom Trbojevic said he’ll have to do it himself.
On the last tackle with nothing happening, Turbo gets the ball close to the line one off the ruck and powers his way over the Tigers defence to score.
The margin is eight and there’s enough time, but they need more of that.
Corey Waddell has made their task much tougher after he became the third Sea Eagle sent to the sin bin tonight for a high shot.
After the first two were debatable, this one cannot be argued.
Trbojevic comes up clutch again. Luke Brooks puts Haumole Olakau’atu through a huge gap and he offloads to Turbo for his second try of the night.
The margin is now four inside the final 10 minutes.
The perfect bounce for Faataape and the Tigers make it ðŸ–ï¸ tries in a row
— Fox League (@FOXNRL) August 22, 2024
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60th minute - Tigers 30-16
The run of the Tigers continues.
Every bounce of the ball is going their way with a grubber deflection from Reuben Garrick falling at the feet of Latu Fainu who sprints towards the line and scores.
This is starting to get ugly for the Sea Eagles who can just about kiss their slim top four hopes goodbye.
Lachlan Galvin comes up with a beautiful kick to leave the Sea Eagles stunned. Tolutau Koula is left staring at space, the ball bounces over his head and into the hands of Solomona Faataape to make it 30-straight points for the Tigers.
Olakau'atu was sent to the bin for this high hit.
— Fox League (@FOXNRL) August 22, 2024
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50th minute - Tigers 18-16
Just as Ethan Bullemor was set to return to the field, Haumole Olakau’atu is sent to the sin bin for what can only be described as a howler from the Bunker.
He hit Heath Mason with a good shot, but used too much force and will spend the next 10 minutes on the sidelines.
If that’s the standard going forward, the game has well and truly gone soft.
The Tigers go downfield and have their first lead of the game as Latu Fainu hits Alex Seyfarth with a lovely short ball to completely bamboozle the defence.
Koroisau creates some space, and the Tigers are on the board 💪
— Fox League (@FOXNRL) August 22, 2024
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HALFTIME - Sea Eagles 16-12
Another penalty marches the Tigers downfield. They lead that count 5-1.
Wests cannot capitalise after finishing the set with an attacking kick.
Ethan Bullemor has been sent to the sin bin for repeated infringements - a very bizarre call given how long the Tigers have been allowed to slow down the ruck for all night.
This should quiet down the calls of referee bias against the Tigers for at least the rest of the evening.
Here are the top SuperCoach scores from halftime:
30th minute - Sea Eagles 16-12
Manly’s defence has been heavily tested with the Tigers having a number of sets on their line.
They hold solid, with some good scramble defence getting rewarded after Solomona Faataape was ruled to pass the ball forward to Solomon Alaimalo.
From the next set a clean break from Ethan Bullemor sees him in open space and much to the delight of SuperCoaches, he passes inside to Tom Trbojevic to extend the lead.
The Tigers have their best moment of the night with Api Koroisau catching Jake Trbojevic and Nathan Brown out at marker and gets past some poor attempts at tackle to score.
A penalty helps the Tigers downfield in the next set and they strike once again through Heath Mason in a worrying sign for the Sea Eagles.
It’s his first NRL try as he slides across the line.
Saab gets down on the right hand side and Manly start off strong 👊
— Fox League (@FOXNRL) August 22, 2024
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20th minute - Sea Eagles 10-0
A penalty from a goal-line dropout gives Manly another set on the Tigers line and they make it two tries in quick succession.
They move the ball to the right and quick hands from Tom Trbojevic and Tolutai Koula gives Lehi Hopoate a chance and he salutes with a nice put-down in the corner.
The Tigers get another good shot at getting on the board, but a pass from Charlie Staines to Junior Tupou is ruled forward by the touch judge.
Staines is playing in the centres and Tupou on the wing, despite the pair being named in the opposite positions.
Funny to see Luke Brooks booed at Leichhardt.
— John Davidson (@johnnyddavidson) August 22, 2024
He stayed with the Tigers for 11 years, went through all the shite, while the likes of Tedesco, Moses, Woods etc left. He was loyal. Finally he departs and gets to play finals footy #NRLTigersManly
10th minute - Sea Eagles 6-0
Manly has blown its challenge inside 90 seconds after Haumole Olakau’atu dropped the ball cold, but Daly Cherry-Evans decided to roll the dice.
That was a bizarre decision to send upstairs.
It led to a great chance for the Wests Tigers with Lachlan Galvin hitting the post with his grubber.
It was pounced upon by Aidan Sezer who looked destined to score, but a great tackle from Tom Trbojevic and Luke Brooks keeps the ball up above the ground.
Heath Mason can’t contain a bomb and a pair of set restarts proves too much for the Tigers to handle.
Charlie Staines slips over after some nice footwork from Reuben Garrick who finds Jason Saab on his outside to score easily.
The boos are coming down everytime Luke Brooks touches the ball - it’s not a good look and undeserved.
Luke Brooks marked the round 25 showdown against Wests Tigers back in November 👀
— Telegraph Sport (@telegraph_sport) August 22, 2024
The Manly playmaker can expect plenty of attention when he returns to Leichhardt.
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7.50PM: Round 25 is off and running at Leichhardt Oval
Can the Tigers work their way out of the Spoon Bowl, or will Manly push its top for claims?
7.20PM: Leichhardt Oval has developed somewhat of a reputation as a fortress for visiting teams, but is it a fallacy depending on the day?
They’ve hosted teams on four occasions this season, winning two games on Saturday, with losses on both a Thursday and Saturday.
On that Thursday night it rained points as the Cowboys prevailed 48-30, and SuperCoaches will be hoping for a similar scoreline as they chase big points.
Tom Trbojevic (FLB $906,000) will again be a popular captain option for many as they look to get their weekend off to the perfect start.
He has cracked the ton in four of his last five games, including an incredible 174 against the Titans in round 20.
Can Luke Brooks (HFB/5/8 $618,200) have a big game against his old club? He’s never played against the Tigers before, but if recent trends are anything to go by, look for him to ton up.
His last four scores read: 112, 49, 114, 38.
There is also the chance the Tigers have one eye on the Spoon Bowl in round 27. If results go as expected over the next fortnight, their clash with Parramatta at Campbelltown will be a shootout to avoid the spoon.
6.50PM: Manly has once again given SuperCoaches holding onto Burbo another lifeline.
Ben Trbojevic (CTW/2RF $377,100) has been thrusted into the starting second row position in place of Karl Lawton.
He still remains in 18% of teams and his value in 2024 cannot be understated. Starting at $277k, Burbo peaked at $512k to make SuperCoaches plenty of coin.
Corey Waddell (2RF $380,800) comes onto the interchange bench for the Sea Eagles.
The Wests Tigers remain 1-17 from their side named on Tuesday, with Latu Fainu (5/8 $204,300) back onto the bench and Tallyn Da Silva omitted from the 17.
EARLIER: Manly fullback Tom Trbojevic has hit triple figures in four of his past five games and would have to be considered a red hot chance of passing that mark again when he takes on the bottom-placed Wests Tigers tonight.
And yet Trbojevic is not the most popular captain or vice-captaincy option among the top 1%, 5% and 10% of SuperCoaches.
Rather, Trbojevic’s teammate Reuben Garrick is the most popular vice-captaincy pick at this stage of the round while Roosters skipper James Tedesco (who is playing the Titans) is the most popular captaincy choice.
With all due respect to my fellow one-percenters I think this is a mistake.
I understand the mechanics of the decision.
With Trbojevic and Tedesco both only available at fullback only, those that captain ‘Teddy’ cannot captain or vice-captain ‘Turbo’.
And the general school of thought is that as goalkicker and a key backline member, when Manly score points Garrick scores points.
But recent history suggests this is a fallacy.
In round 20 (against the Titans) Manly scored 38 points. Garrick scored 81 SuperCoach points. A decent score, but Trbojevic scored 174 that day.
In round 21 Manly scored 30 points against the Roosters. Neither Garrick (15 points - albeit in just 28 minutes due to double HIAs) nor Trbojevic (45 points) went large.
In round 23 Manly feasted on the Raiders scoring 46 points. Garrick scored 62 points, Trbojevic 121.
And then last week the Sea Eagles scored 24 points against the Warriors. Garrick finished on 61 points while Turbo reached 105.
Now to be fair to Tedesco he’s been in fair form himself with four scores of 100+ in the past six matches.
And a matchup against the Titans - who conceded 32 points against the Dragons last week and 44 to the Shaks the week before - is a good one for Tedesco.
But is it better than Trbojevic versus the Tigers? I don’t think so.
Wests Tigers are conceding a skerrick under 35 points per game on average this season and I think there is every chance Manly score 40+ tonight.
For what it’s worth I prefer the VS on Trbojevic and then stick the C on a Roosters like Dom Young or Sam Walker. Provided things go to plan Trbojevic will score 120+ and you’re biggest concern will be who to drop in order to activate the loophole.
Good luck.
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