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2005: 20 Years On Part one
2005: 20 Years On - Part 1
We take a look back at the 2005 Wests Tigers' road to the title, alongside some highlights, photos and match information from that unforgettable season.
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The 2005 NRL Premiership victory is one of the most remarkable in recent memory.
Captained by the mercurial Scott Prince, a team of youngsters such as Robbie Farah, Chris Heighington and the incomparable Benji Marshall, joined veterans from our club’s foundation sides, like John Skandalis, Mark O’Neill and Ben Galea to triumph over the Cowboys on that famous October night.
Over the next few weeks, we’ll take a look back at the side’s road to the title, alongside some highlights, photos and match information from that unforgettable season.
ROUND 1 vs EELS
Round 1 - 2005
Round 1 - 2005
The 2005 season kicked off with a Saturday afternoon showdown against the Parramatta Eels at Stadium Australia, marking the Wests Tigers debuts of Paul Whatuira, Matt Jobson, and Matthew Rieck.
Although the final scoreline read 28-12 in favour of the Eels, this Round 1 clash offered an early glimpse of the flair and grit that would come to define the Tigers’ remarkable campaign. Paul Whatuira, one of the competition’s most dependable centres and a key recruit for 2005, made an immediate impact by pouncing on a spilt bomb in the in-goal to open the scoring; a moment that set the tone for his exceptional season.
Pat Richards, whose combination of size, speed, and strength made him one of the most dominant wingers in the NRL that year, produced a trademark effort just before the break. Beating three defenders with sheer force and footwork, his 36th-minute try was a classic example of what fans would come to expect from the powerhouse outside back.
While Parramatta surged to victory in the second half, the youthful Tigers showed clear promise despite the result. With a new-look squad and flashes of attacking class, it was clear this group had something special simmering beneath the surface.
Eels 28 (Cannings, Morris, Morrison, Peek, Tahu tries; Burt 4/5 goals) defeated Wests Tigers 12 (Richards, Whatuira tries; Hodgson 2/2 goals, Richards 0/1 goals) at Stadium Australia.
ROUND 2 [BYE]
ROUND 3 vs BULLDOGS
Round 3 - 2005
Round 3 - 2005
The Round 3 clash between Wests Tigers and the reigning premiers, the Bulldogs, stands as one of the most extraordinary contests in the club’s history.
Facing a powerhouse Canterbury outfit at Stadium Australia, the Tigers burst out of the blocks with a dazzling attacking display, racing to a 36-18 lead with just 13 minutes left on the clock. But the Bulldogs weren’t going to roll over easily, mounting a furious comeback to lock the scores at 36-all and set the stage for a dramatic finish.
Enter Scott Prince.
With the game hanging in the balance and the seconds ticking down, the Wests Tigers halfback stepped up with ice in his veins, calmly slotting a clutch field goal with just 20 seconds remaining. It was a truly incredible moment, and secured the team’s first win of the season in spectacular fashion.
The match wasn’t just memorable for its heart-stopping finale. It also delivered one of the greatest team tries in Wests Tigers history.
Starting deep in their own half, the Tigers unleashed a breathtaking 90-metre movement that featured 10 passes and clever support play, before a teenage Bronson Harrison stormed over to cap off an unforgettable sequence.
Prince was instrumental throughout, grabbing a well-deserved double, including a sensational intercept try, finished with a somersault across the line. It was a performance that typified his leadership and set the tone for the campaign to come.
Wests Tigers 37 (Prince 2, Fitzhenry, Harrison, Hodgson, Wilson tries; Hodgson 6/6 goals; Prince field goal) defeated Bulldogs 36 (Anasta 2, Lolesi, Patten, Ryan, Sherwin tries; El Masri 6/6 goals) at Stadium Australia.
