Wests Tigers shock the Panthers to end 273-day losing streak

The Wests Tigers have stunned the Penrith Panthers to end their 273-day losing streak in a result absolutely no one saw coming.

BATHURST, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 29: Wests Tigers players celebrate victory on the final whistle during the round nine NRL match between Penrith Panthers and Wests Tigers at Carrington Park on April 29, 2023 in Bathurst, Australia. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)

The Wests Tigers have done the unthinkable.

The NRL’s reigning wooden spooners have sprung a huge upset over the Penrith Panthers to record their first win of the season in a result no one saw coming.

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Under a new regime led by Tim Sheens and Benji Marshall, the Tigers have endured a miserable start to the year, losing their first seven games.

But they have shown patches of solid form in recent weeks and produced a seriously gritty performance to shock the two-time reigning premiers on a rainy Saturday night in Bathurst.

It’s the Tigers’ first win since they saluted against the Broncos last July, or 273 days ago to be exact. The victory ends a 12-game losing streak.

Much maligned halfback Luke Brooks nailed a 40/20 with his very first kick of the game to set the tone for the Tigers.

Luke Brooks and the Wests Tigers stunned Penrith. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)

Brandon Wakeham scored in the second minute to give the Tigers the lead, while the Panthers only crossed once during the game through Tyrone Peachey.

Tigers winger David Nofoauluma scored early in the second half, to record his 100th NRL try and give the Tigers a 12-8 lead they never gave up.

Fullback Jahream Bula stood tall under a series of towering bombs and had a game-saving tackle on Nathan Clearly on the dying stages, while Penrth fullback Dylan Edwards did everything he could to drag the Pathers over the line.

But the Tigers’ defence stayed strong and they managed to hold on for the win.

Absolute scenes. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)

The Panthers were stunned by the Tigers. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)

“It’s been a long time coming,” Brooks told Fox League after the game.

“I feel like over the last few weeks we haven’t been playing too bad. We’ve been close.

“We were confident coming into the game today. It was a tough one. They’ve been the benchmark over the last three years. It’s just great to get a win.”

The victory was extra sweet for hooker Api Koroisau, who starred in his first game against Penrith since leaving the Panthers after winning two premierships.

“What was impressive was they beat the premiers,” Mal Meninga said on Fox League.

“It’s not just a fluke. They beat the best team in the competition.”

Brooks controlled the game with a superb kicking game to get the points over his opposite number Cleary.

“If you sit here thinking about who was the better halfback tonight (between) Nathan Cleary and Luke Brooks,” Cooper Cronk said.

“Well, three Dally M points to Luke Brooks. He was sensational.”

Originally published as Wests Tigers shock the Panthers to end 273-day losing streak