LIVE GAME Round 18 v Roosters live game discussion

[Spartan117]

‘We did it for him’: Gritty Tigers dedicate win to Benji after massive upset over Roosters​

Daniel Nuttall from Fox Sports
July 6th, 2025 5:35 pm

The Tigers have broken a six-game losing streak, pulling off a massive upset to defeat the Roosters 30-28 in an entertaining game at Allianz Stadium.

The Roosters were without five Origin stars and centre Billy Smith, so a lot of youth was on display for the Tricolours, but the Tigers were also missing three key players in Jahream Bula, Jarome Luai and Api Koroisau.

The Tigers led 30-22 with two minutes left after a Tigers penalty goal but the Roosters stayed in it with a James Tedesco try in the final minute.

Unfortunately for the home side, they only had one play to attempt and score a miraculous try from the kick off but the Tigers shut it down.

It was a historic afternoon, with Fainu brothers Samuela, Latu and Sione becoming the first trio of brothers in NRL history to all score tries for the same team in the same game.

Latu spoke to Fox League after the game, telling Matt Russell the win was for coach Benji Marshall after a few turbulent weeks amid the losing streak.

“This win means a lot not just for us but the fans and our coach. He’s been through a lot. We did it for him,” Fainu said.

'We did that for him!' | 01:06

Stand-in skpper Alex Twal echoed the sentiment in the Tigers press conference.

“It started with Benji. We showed today how much he means to us,” Twal said.

“Everyone really wanted to win today. It was an indication on how much he means to the boys.”

A brilliant offload from Starford To’a despite three defenders being draped over him set up the Tigers’ first try to Charlie Staines.

Promising young half Latu Fainu would score the team’s second, pouncing on a Roosters error before racing 50 metres the other way to put the ball down under the posts. His brother Sione would crash over minutes later to give the Tigers a 20-0 lead.

“They’re exercising a few demons here the Tigers,” Andrew Voss said in commentary referencing the club’s current six-game losing streak.

The Roosters would turn things around though with two tries in five minutes, which included a sensational acrobatic effort from veteran Daniel Tupou.

Tupou leapt high over his opposite winger to catch it over his head before bringing it down to ground to score. Perfect kick from Hugo Savala as well.

‘That is special,” Michael Ennis said.

Samuela Fainu scored soon after the half time break, running a terrific line to crash over to complete the Fainu hat-trick.

Roosters centre Mark Nawaqanitawase was terrific for the Roosters, scoring two impressive solo tries.

His second trimmed the margin to six in the second half, but the Tigers more or less extinguished the Roosters’ hopes with a Adam Doueihi penalty goal in the 79th minute.

‘We did it for him’: Gritty Tigers dedicate win to Benji after massive upset over Roosters

‘We did it for him’: Tigers dedicate upset to Benji as trio of brothers make NRL history

www.foxsports.com.au

 

[Moh]

That was also the best our halves have looked all year.

Next week:

14. Luai

I jest, but man AD can be so good sometimes.

 

[Stevec]

3 .negative things in the Stats
Sukkar only 29 m despite playing 80 mins ( he did 39 tackles only 3 missed tackles though )
Kit Lauliili only 10mins 1 run 22m and 1 bad error ) I think Benji must have hooked him after that .
Charlie Murray only small mins but 3 missed tackles imo Tristan Hope played really well and is good back up for Api
By the way Luke L had some strong runs but his missed tackles were crucial Benji likes him because as he said Luke " really wants to be here "
That's ok but still doesn't make you ready for 1st grade .
He's only a kid give him a bit more time in ressies Benji to improve his game !

 

[Milky]

Definite no to Turuva full time at fullback btw, he's not the game breaker Bula can be.

To'a + Turuva is a strong right edge. Let's not break it up either.

I'd like Staines in the centres if Doueihi is playing in the halves again, at least until May is ready.

No way Staines in centres, we’ve tried that before. He’s either on the wing in FG or reserve grade

 

[Oldman]

We won penalty count 6-4
We lost 6 again count 2-5

Thanks Tuk

 

[Stevec]

We shouldn't have to.

That is pathetic what he did. He actually reffed the game well otherwise.

Peter Gough reffed the game fairly and his only blemish was explaing the rules to Tedesco and allowing him to change his mind about taking the conversion
Teddy should know the rules and should not have been allowed to change his decision ,.A minor thing but all in all I'm happy with Gough better than Sutton

 

[innsaneink]

Our last 6 mins of each half need addressing we win a game with Roosters 5 tries to Tigers 4
But 4 of their 5 tries came 2 in last 6 mins of 1st half and 2 in last 6 mins of the 2nd half !
However Douehi today kicked 7 from 7
How often do we win a game with one less try? Also how often do we kick 7/7

Inreallynthoight we were gone with about 10 to go....fuel tank was on E and beeping wildly
I thought our penalty was pretty soft really but glad to get the rub of the green for once

 

[Coastie_Tiger]

Latu>Galvin X 10
Hope>TDS

Hope played well but i don't think he's got anymore upside, he's certainly serviceable back up for now.
TDS has a much better future ahead of him lets not kid ourselves, i do think its a fair shout Latu could be better than Galvin. He just needs to get his fitness up there coming back to pre season unfit isn't professional enough.

 

[innsaneink]

‘We did it for him’: Gritty Tigers dedicate win to Benji after massive upset over Roosters​

Daniel Nuttall from Fox Sports
July 6th, 2025 5:35 pm

The Tigers have broken a six-game losing streak, pulling off a massive upset to defeat the Roosters 30-28 in an entertaining game at Allianz Stadium.

The Roosters were without five Origin stars and centre Billy Smith, so a lot of youth was on display for the Tricolours, but the Tigers were also missing three key players in Jahream Bula, Jarome Luai and Api Koroisau.

The Tigers led 30-22 with two minutes left after a Tigers penalty goal but the Roosters stayed in it with a James Tedesco try in the final minute.

Unfortunately for the home side, they only had one play to attempt and score a miraculous try from the kick off but the Tigers shut it down.

It was a historic afternoon, with Fainu brothers Samuela, Latu and Sione becoming the first trio of brothers in NRL history to all score tries for the same team in the same game.

Latu spoke to Fox League after the game, telling Matt Russell the win was for coach Benji Marshall after a few turbulent weeks amid the losing streak.

“This win means a lot not just for us but the fans and our coach. He’s been through a lot. We did it for him,” Fainu said.

'We did that for him!' | 01:06

Stand-in skpper Alex Twal echoed the sentiment in the Tigers press conference.

“It started with Benji. We showed today how much he means to us,” Twal said.

“Everyone really wanted to win today. It was an indication on how much he means to the boys.”

A brilliant offload from Starford To’a despite three defenders being draped over him set up the Tigers’ first try to Charlie Staines.

Promising young half Latu Fainu would score the team’s second, pouncing on a Roosters error before racing 50 metres the other way to put the ball down under the posts. His brother Sione would crash over minutes later to give the Tigers a 20-0 lead.

“They’re exercising a few demons here the Tigers,” Andrew Voss said in commentary referencing the club’s current six-game losing streak.

The Roosters would turn things around though with two tries in five minutes, which included a sensational acrobatic effort from veteran Daniel Tupou.

Tupou leapt high over his opposite winger to catch it over his head before bringing it down to ground to score. Perfect kick from Hugo Savala as well.

‘That is special,” Michael Ennis said.

Samuela Fainu scored soon after the half time break, running a terrific line to crash over to complete the Fainu hat-trick.

Roosters centre Mark Nawaqanitawase was terrific for the Roosters, scoring two impressive solo tries.

His second trimmed the margin to six in the second half, but the Tigers more or less extinguished the Roosters’ hopes with a Adam Doueihi penalty goal in the 79th minute.

‘We did it for him’: Gritty Tigers dedicate win to Benji after massive upset over Roosters

‘We did it for him’: Tigers dedicate upset to Benji as trio of brothers make NRL history

www.foxsports.com.au

Hopefully this shuts up the "boys club/benji plays favourites" BS some here carry on with...but I doubt it

 

[Tucker]

It would be interesting to see some actual data but my feeling was that the Roosters were starting their sets deeper in their half than any team I can remember this year. Forwards can take most of the credit but I thought the depth of Doueihi's kicks along with a good chase played their part as well.

That’s how I saw it as well and I certainly thought we were frustrating them through this aspect.

 

[cqtiger]

Any injuries of note???

 

[Vicious]

No way Staines in centres, we’ve tried that before. He’s either on the wing in FG or reserve grade

The issue is we have plenty of wingers, but very few NRL ready centres.

 

[Tucker]

Any injuries of note???

Nothing seems to have been communicated.
Strange as Toa was acting busted for most of the second half with weak carries and limp defensive efforts. He looked to be bravely battling instead of competing.
Maybe awaiting scans?

 

[Dr_Ice]

Same thoughts. That edge was horrific in defence. Latu saved their arses a lot of times covering for the. Luke is not near first grade ready and Skelton has been very lazy in defence and always so slow to get up off the ground.

The boys all fought hard today and great to get the win. I missed the start, was Jack Bird injured?

Yes, left edge defence not good, however also thought Tito had a chance to make a better effort for both Marky Mark tries. Especially the one before half time

 

[Dr_Ice]

Why is Pole so quite after a rip roaring start to the season

Did you watch the replay of last weeks game by mistake? He was very good today

 

[StarswithStripes]

Just watched the replay. Stoked for the win. Was on the edge of the sofa till full time. My wife hasn’t seen me that excited for weeks! The Fainu’s stole the show all scoring and setting an NRL record. That win will keep the scumbag media off our backs for another week. Hopefully gives us a good confidence boost for next week against the Wahs.

 

[Camel2281]

Tristan Hope showed more today than anything Tallyn did for us. TDS probably has a higher ceiling due to age but I believe currently Hope is a more complete NRL hooker

 

[Moh]

Any injuries of note???

Guessing To'a might be on the sidelines again. Looked hurt most of that 2nd half. Matai-like.

 

[TigerJunior4]

Good win after a difficult six weeks. Glad to see us beat the Roosters for the first time in years too.

Hopefully this eases some pressure on the club and we jag a few more wins before seasons end.

 

[Speed2burn]

Am expecting T’oa to be out vs Warriors … that’s concerning.

Am wondering if Makisini makes his debut? Luke or Staines absolutely cannot be in the centres