A Mitchell Moses masterclass has propelled the Wests Tigers to a nail-biting 34-26 NRL win over a spirited Warriors outfit on Saturday.
In a see-sawing match, the Tigers looked to have the game in the bag after Moses guided them to a 28-4 halftime lead at Campbelltown Stadium.
However the Warriors stormed back into the contest, putting on three tries in nine minutes to reduce the margin to two with 12 minutes to play as five-eighth Shaun Johnson sparked his side to life.
The Warriors had their chances in the dying stages before a James Tedesco try in the last minute killed off the game.
The often-maligned Moses was superb, having a hand in three of the his side’s five first-half tries to seal a memorable win to open their season.
Playing without the injured Robbie Farah and suspended halfback Luke Brooks, the Tigers showed their intention to throw the football around and play enterprising football.
The result will heap pressure on Warriors coach Andrew McFadden after they suffered their ninth NRL loss in a row dating back through last season.
Injury-hit Warriors back-rower Ben Henry suffered a devastating dislocated knee cap early in the first half.
The one-time Kiwi Test representative underwent knee reconstructions on the same left leg over the last three years.
The Barry
Roar Guru
It's definitely the best game he's played. My previous favourite was him playing fullback against the dogs in his early days. He tore us apart. I really like him, I think he's got a load of talent and has been thrown in at the deep end a bit at the Tigers. But he's gotten my hopes up before only to disappear for six weeks. I thought his defence was pretty good. If you consider defensive effort a barometer of attitude then it looks good for him. He got his body in the way of the big Warrior players. His first contact was always strong if not always successful.
Alex L
Roar Rookie
In fairness TB I don't recall him having done this well in the halves -- he had some great games at Fullback but not so many at 5/8th.
eagleJack
Roar Guru
Agree, consistency is key. But if they are cold next week I won't be complaining ;)
Will Sinclair
Roar Guru
Me!
The Barry
Roar Guru
Great to see Moses put in a very good game but he's done it before. His (and Brooks') challenge is to do it consistently.
Gus Paella
Guest
How do you know Moses will get better?
Curaeus
Guest
Not sure what game you were watching. Moses, Grant and Tedesco won the game for the Tigers. Moses was pure class and the scary thing for opposing teams is he will get a lot better. As for Teddy just another brilliant display. Must play Origin tbis year.
up in the north
Roar Rookie
Seriously who picked the Tigers in this one?
Deano70
Guest
Don't know what game you were watching, while he showed some improvement on last years effort his kicking game remains diabolical and he continually chooses the wrong kick option. Particularly worrying is his constant desire to go high, if he is gonna do it he has to make it come down near the try line, his kick are constantly 10 metres short, negating any threat. A couple of last tackle option late in the game yesterday, going high and short instead of kicking into the in goal were poor. His long kicks are often 10-20 metres short of where they should be. Really need to improve this part of his game as well as his defence. Looks to have put a little weight in this year so we'll have to wait and see how he comes up. Hopefully he I continues to improve