The Wests Tigers need to bounce back from a shocking performance on Monday night but will get no favours from a Penrith Panthers outfit coming off a very strong victory. Join us for live scores and commentary from 3.00pm AEDT.
Penrith surprised many with their demolition of the Canberra Raiders last week and look well on course for two straight wins if the Tigers fail to improve on their horror showing against Newcastle.
After racing to an early six-nil lead, the Tigers simply fell apart in defence and allowed Newcastle to score 42 unanswered points en route to a commanding 42-10 victory.
Like the Warriors last week, the Tigers crumbled under the weight of their own ill discipline and poor handling and really need to improve tenfold if they are to give home fans something to cheer about today.
The Panthers will present a stern test for the Tigers, given that Ivan Cleary’s men performed very strongly against 2012 finalists Canberra.
Penrith played to their strengths last week and will really fancy their chances of out-muscling a Tigers pack that ranks as one of the weakest in the NRL.
Tim Grant, Sika Manu, James Segeyaro and Sam McKendry are all capable of causing havoc up the middle of the park if the Tigers fail to aim up in defence.
For the Tigers to get on the board today, they simply must respect possession and play the percentages well against a tough Panthers pack.
Given that they are at home, the Tigers will most likely bounce back in a bid to get onside with fans after their shocking capitulation to Newcastle.
Tigers forwards such as Aaron Woods, Braith Anasta, Adam Blair and Keith Galloway really need to stand up and be counted for today if the home side are any hope of matching Penrith’s pack.
If Mick Potter’s men can muscle up upfront, Robbie Farah and Benji Marshall may just showcase enough attacking class for the Tigers to sneak home today.
On form, Penrith do deserve to be favourites but the bounce back factor may just work in the Tigers favour infront of a home crowd demanding a strong performance.
Tigers by four.
Phelpsy
Guest
Watching on tv ... It he thing that stands out for me is that it is like watching the VFL on the abc in Victoria . No disrespect to the abc but seems very amateur. Like being at a suburban ground watching the game ... I guess that maybe is a charm for some . I mean the commentary, the people sitting on grass hills????
Alan
Roar Guru
It was scrappy at times but the Tigers are on the board in season 2013, beating the Panthers by 10 points today. The Tigers managed to score five tries today with Farah having a hand in three of those four pointers. Woods was very strong upfront for the Tigers, scoring two close range tries. Penrith were strong upfront but the kicking game from Walsh in particular left a lot to be desired. Coote going off because of injury did not help Penrith's cause in attack. Manu continues to perform well for Penrith and already has three tries in the season. Good win for the Tigers and this will give them confidence. Back to the drawing board for Penrith. Join us later for the Sea Eagles - Knights blockbuster at 6:30pm tonight!
Alan
Roar Guru
FULLTIME: Tigers 28 Panthers 18
Alan
Roar Guru
79' - Tigers on the attack and will look to finish with a bang. Marshall with a chip kick and Murdoch Masila fails to hold on to possession with the line at his mercy! Tigers 28 Panthers 18
Alan
Roar Guru
78' - Koroibete loses possession but the Panthers are penalised for a strip and that should be all she wrote for the Panthers today Tigers 28 Panthers 18
Alan
Roar Guru
78' - Penrith on the attack as they produce a strong set. Segeyaro with a kick now and Mansour now produces a grubber kick but the Tigers get possession back Tigers 28 Panthers 18
Alan
Roar Guru
77' - Woods going for a hat-trick now! That would be something. Mansour now regathers possession as Ayshford loses the football Tigers 28 Panthers 18
Alan
Roar Guru
76' - Tigers need an error free set here as they win the penalty as Pettybourne is tackled without the football. Tigers right on the attack yet again Tigers 28 Panthers 18
Alan
Roar Guru
74' - Just under 10,000 have attended today. Effort on monday didn't do them any favours. Walsh with a pass and the Panthers win a penalty and that is a huge call on the last tackle. Manu now goes all the way but there is an obstruction here! Tigers win the penalty but that was tight! Tigers 28 Panthers 18
Alan
Roar Guru
CONVERSION SUCCESSFUL - Walsh converts well and Penrith have life in this contest Tigers 28 Panthers 18
Alan
Roar Guru
TRY PANTHERS - Penrith on the attack and Manu charges over and scores! Just what Penrith needed and Manu now has his second! Tigers 28 Panthers 16
JKD
Guest
Love the live feedback!! Cheers Alan.
Alan
Roar Guru
71' - Marshall too pretty with the football and Murdoch Masila knocks on and Whare now goes on the counter attack for Penrith who need to score now! Tigers 28 Panthers 12
Alan
Roar Guru
70' - Walsh with a 40/20 attempt but Reddy regathers the football. Tigers comfortable at the moment as Koroibete is away as Manu takes him just in time! Tigers 28 Panthers 12
Alan
Roar Guru
69' - Tigers in full control here and usually play their best when they are 12 plus infront. Tigers making yardage at will now through Murdoch Masila. Mansour returns possession now Tigers 28 Panthers 12
Ur kidding
Guest
Walsh was penalised for being offside 15m from the goal line,farrah took the tap 2m from the goal line.WTF.
Alan
Roar Guru
CONVERSION UNSUCCESSFUL - Marshall misses Tigers 28 Panthers 12 Tigers well on their way to victory. They have not been at their best, but this is a step in the right direction after a shocking effort on monday night.
Alan
Roar Guru
TRY TIGERS - Marshall with a great grubber and Koroibete scores! Tigers running away with this now and Penrith out on their feet. Tigers 28 Panthers 12
Alan
Roar Guru
66' - Penrith with it all to do yet again after the Tigers increase the lead here. Fulton now finds Ayshford who finds Reddy who makes great yardage. Tigers on the attack and with momentum! Marshall with a grubber now and Koroibete may have scored! Tigers 24 Panthers 12
Alan
Roar Guru
Farah and Woods combine yet again in the second half to produce points. Farah now with three try assists today. Good performance CONVERSION SUCCESSFUL - Marshall converts Tigers 24 Panthers 12