Full Breakdown
Tigers End Eight-Game Slide with Last-Minute Field Goal, Roosters Slip to Third
8/24/2026, 11:41:15 AM
Core Event
On August 23, 2026, the Wests Tigers defeated the Sydney Roosters 25-24 in a one-point thriller. Halfback Jock Madden kicked a field goal with just over a minute remaining to clinch the win. The result ended the Tigers’ eight-game losing streak and snapped the Roosters’ eight-game winning run.
Background & Context
The Tigers entered the match as $10 outsiders and had not won since round 15, while the Roosters were sitting atop the ladder after an eight-match winning streak. This was only the second occasion in NRL history that a team on an eight-game losing run beat a team on an eight-game winning run; the first was the Western Reds over Manly in 1996. It also marked the first consecutive victories for the Tigers over the Roosters since 2009.
Data & Statistics
- Tries: Tigers 5, Roosters 4.
- Line-breaks: Roosters 9, Tigers 4.
- Tackles: Roosters 74 (38 in the second half), Tigers 40 (13 in the opposition 20).
- Defensive effort: Tigers made 38 tackles inside their own 20 metres.
- Individual highlights: Jeral Skelton (Tigers) recorded a double, Billy Smith (Roosters) a double, and Api Koroisau (Tigers) contributed a try, two pressure goals and a 40/20.
Impact on Ladder and Minor Premiership Race
The loss dropped the Roosters from first to third place (38 points, +162) with two rounds remaining. The Warriors moved into first (38 points, +295) and the Penrith Panthers sit second (38 points, +294). The Roosters now require wins in their final games against the Dolphins and South Sydney to retain a top-two finish and the associated qualifying-final advantage.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the venue of the match. Fox Sports reports the game was played at Allianz Stadium, while ABC and SMH place it at the Sydney Football Stadium. No additional details clarify which location hosted the contest.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It was a poor game from us,” — The Roosters — The Roosters
- “I reckon that's as proud as I've ever been as a coach, given we lost Twaly who is probably our most experienced player,” — Benji Marshall — Benji Marshall
- “There are two games to go,” — Trent Robinson, said roosters coach — Trent Robinson, Roosters coach
- “I reckon that’s as proud as I’ve ever been as a coach,” — Benji Marshall — Benji Marshall
