Earlier this week your writer said on the Macarthur Rugby League Wrap podcast that Wests Tigers “had less than zero percent chance” of upsetting the mighty back-to-back defending champion Penrith Panthers.
Never is someone happier to eat humble pie.
This was a victory for the ages.
The greatest upset of the NRL era.
If Wests Tigers don’t win another game in 2023, the victory over the Panthers in the heaving rain in Bathurst is undoubtedly the club’s gutsiest performance since the merger in 2000.
You could include the long history of Balmain and the Magpies and you’d be hard pressed finding something so pure – so brilliant.
So footy.
The weather was putrid and had been raining in Bathurst since 9am yet on social media many Wests Tigers fans were furious at their first-half attack despite the 0-7 Wests Tigers outplaying the Panthers in both attack and defence.
They rattled the champions.
Made them look pedestrian at times but it was never easy.
If you tap the devil on the shoulder to dance, you better finish the song.
Wests Tigers did it.
Something special was in the air and it started with a Wests Tigers player almost sliding over on his arse on the wet concrete as he came out of the sheds.
As Wests Tigers ran out, the Panthers PA played Triple H’s WWE theme ‘Time to play the game’.
Luke Brooks smashed an early 40/20.
A try.
In monsoonal conditions, Wests Tigers demanded respect from the Panthers through their intensity in the defensive line. Over time, Wests Tigers began to dominate some of the biggest names in the National Rugby League.
Time and time again they bent back the Panthers.
Brooks was the best player on the field but he deserved that honour through his guts without the ball.
He went hunting like Gorden Tallis might have back in the day.
He showed the way.
To be fair, the Panthers haven’t been that crash-hot so far in 2023.
They’ve looked clunky at times and not quite themselves.
But there were still plenty of chances for the Panthers to steal another one and break Wests Tigers hearts and you can’t blame fans for thinking Penrith would jag one against the winless Wests Tigers.
Brent Naden was sin-binned in the first half.
Referee Adam Gee penalised Wests Tigers for a tackle on Nathan Cleary as he kicked the ball. Gee said Cleary was placed in a “vulnerable position” when he hit the ground. Wests Tigers and skipper Api Koroisau were furious and immediately demanded a challenge.
Rightfully it was turned over.
In the second half, Cleary sliced through and looked like scoring untouched until the rookie Wests Tigers fullback Jahream Bula sprinted across field and caused an error from the incumbent New South Wales Blues pivot.
The entire 80 minutes was a mosh pit of stress.
At any time, the Panthers were going to stick the dagger in.
It just never came.
The ghost of Tommy Raudonikis, born in Bathurst, may have been seen at some point smashing out his 43rd Winfield Blue for the night in the coach’s box.
YouTube is full of NRL highlight reels but this was one for the romantics.
And always something weird.
In commentary, Balmain legend Steve Roach praised John Bateman in the first half for charging over the advantage line. Only problem was it was the much bigger, much different-looking Alex Twal.
Despite that, this was actually Bateman’s best game and got better as the match got more desperate.
It may have helped that it was cold and wet like back at home in England.
Joe Ofahengaue spinning the goalpost pad as the Panthers attempted a penalty goal.
Weirder yet, Wests Tigers got their bench rotation correct for once.
Koroisau was a man possessed but needed a spell.
Young dummy half Jake Simpkin rightfully came on, got bigger minutes, and made some big plays and turned the game with his shoulder.
It gave Api a chance to have a spell and come back on help ice the game.
Penrith will still be Penrith tomorrow.
But who knows if Wests Tigers can back it up in round ten against St George Illawarra in Magic Round.
The only thing that matters tonight for the Wests Tigers is the challenge they took on in Bathurst.
Enjoy the bus ride home.
You deserve it.
Beetson Raudonikis Medal votes
3: Luke Brooks
2: Api Koroisau
1: Jahream Bula
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