Wests Tigers finish NRLW season on a high

The Wests Tigers have ended a disappointing NRLW campaign on the best possible note by beating the Sharks 12-10 to record a second-straight victory.

Knowing the wooden spoon likely awaited them no matter the result, the Wests Tigers came out firing and took advantage of the limited scoring opportunities they had. 

Superior ball control, which saw them complete at 80 percent compared to Cronulla’s 74 percent, was also crucial, with tries to Claudia Nielsen and Brooke Talataina either side of half-time their only four-pointers on the night. 

Conversions from Losana Lutu, who was influential in the halves, and Pauline Piliae-Rasabale, made all the difference in the end too. 

Despite the Wests Tigers gifting them a glut of possession in attacking territory through errors, Cronulla failed to take advantage inside the final 15 minutes and blew golden chances when Penitani spilled the ball on a promising backline move and Dodd knocked on in the lead up to a would-be try. 

It cost them in the end, with the Tigers women soaking up a couple of late raids to record win number two for 2024.

In NRL news, Wests Tigers have announced the signing of St George Illawarra Dragons utility Jack Bird on a two-year deal.

The 29-year-old, who won a premiership with the Sharks in 2016, has played 156 games over nine seasons in the NRL.

Bird will link up with his new teammates when pre-season training begins in November.

Wests Tigers Coach Benji Marshall is excited to have Bird on board.

“Jack is a very talented player, a very good person, and we’re thrilled that he’s decided to join us,” said Marshall.

“He has achieved a lot in the game and brings a wealth of experience to our young squad.

“We all look forward to welcoming Jack and his partner Mirae to the Wests Tigers.”