‘What the actual f**k?’: Wests Tigers leave NRL stunned by utter bloodbath

NRL fans will need some time to lift their jaws of the floor after one of the all-time drubbings came from the most unexpected of sources.

No one saw that coming. Photo: Fox Sports

The Wests Tigers have left the NRL in complete shock as the last placed club has put the North Queensland Cowboys to the absolute sword in a 66-18 obliteration at Leichhardt Oval.

It’s the biggest win in the history of the joint venture, bigger than the biggest win from the Western Suburbs Magpies and Balmain Tigers in the regular season.

It was only eclipsed once in the history of the Balmain Tigers, a 71-7 win over Norths Newcastle in a State Championship match in 1944.

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The Wests Tigers’ franchise had previously ran up 56 points but went next level in the most points the Cowboys had ever conceded in a match.

The Tigers ran up a massive 11 tries to three in a humiliating turn for the Cowboys who had recently appeared to turn a corner.

The win turned into a thrashing in the final 20 minutes as the Tigers piled on five tries to humiliate the visitors once and for all.

The win moves the Tigers off the bottom of the ladder and into 15th place ahead of the St George Illawarra Dragons and Canterbury Bulldogs, although the latter still has a game to play this round.

What the hell just happened? Photo by Matt King/Getty Images

After the Tigers scored their 11th and final try, Fox League’s Michael Ennis expressed what anyone watching would undoubtedly agreed with.

“I’m in shock,” Ennis said.

“I said to James Hooper as both sides were warming up that I thought the Tigers were a real chance.

“I’ve been highly impressed by their defensive effort and their will to compete in the last month.

“Tonight, boy, the Tigers have been brilliant. The Cowboys have been horrendous.

“Defensively, Todd Payten will be absolutely shattered with what the Cowboys have dished up tonight.”

The NRL was as blown away as the Cowboys were with the shock result.

Put a line through North Queensland ladies and gentlemen. Their title hopes are over.

No team has ever conceded 50 points in a match and gone on to win the premiership.

For what it's worth, first time Tigers have ended a team's hopes since 2015. #NRLTigersCowboys

— Scott Bailey (@ScottBaileyAAP) May 20, 2023

66-18. What the actual F@&$ has happened to the Tigers.
Biggest ever score after their worst start to a season in the club’s history 🤯

Gotta be happy for Luke Brooks in game 200. What a memorable night for him & all Tigers fans at the 8th Wonder.#NRLTigersCowboys

— Zac Bailey (@ZacBailey14) May 20, 2023

The Wests Tigers are going to win the comp aren’t they…. #NRLTigersCowboys

— Adam Santarossa (@adamsantarossa) May 20, 2023

How many @nthqldcowboys players make @QLDmaroons after serving up that garbage? #NRL#RugbyLeague#NRLIndigenousRound#NRLTigersCowboys

— Jason Costigan ❤️🏉🎥 (@CostoJason) May 20, 2023

Officially the Wests Tigers highest ever total. Eclipsing the following:

56-6 against Souths 2004
56-4 against Bulldogs 2008
56-10 against Cronulla 2009

Wow.#NRLTigersCowboys

— Elliott Lovejoy (@ElliottLovejoy) May 20, 2023

Post-match, the Tigers faithful chanted “Brooksey” for their halfback, who played his 200th game in the match.

Speaking to Fox Sports after the game, Brooks even appeared stunned.

“It feels good (to break the club record) especially after the last few weeks where we’ve struggled to score points,” Brooks said.

“To come out here and score 66 points, it’s pretty good.”

As for his milestone match, Brooks said the enormity of the milestone didn’t hit him until the captain’s run.

“I had my family in and they presented the jersey and I sort of got to think about how lucky I was to play 200 games — not many people get the chance to do that,” he said. “And then to have them all here, there’s about 50 of them friends and family cheering me on, so I really appreciate their support.”

For the Cowboys, coach Todd Payten said it was “the worst performance since I’ve been at the club”.

Originally published as ‘What the actual f**k?’: Wests Tigers leave NRL stunned by utter bloodbath