LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
In what was billed as the game of the year, the Wests Tigers suffered yet another heartbreak as the North Queensland Cowboys managed to hold on for a thrilling NRLW victory.
The Tigers, who have been facing a tough run of losses, looked like they were on the brink of a major comeback in the second half, scoring three quick tries to level the playing field.
The Cowboys, however, refused to let victory slip from their grasp, with former Tiger Jakiya Whitfield making his mark early on with a well-executed try off a Kirra Dibb pass.
Despite a valiant effort from the Tigers in the second half, it was the Cowboys' winger Lavinia Tauhalaliku who stole the show with an impressive 80-metre run that set up Jetaya Faifua for a crucial try.
Just when it seemed like the Tigers might snatch the win, a knock-on cost them four points, allowing the Cowboys to maintain their lead.
The Tigers managed to close the gap with a try from Losana Lutu, but a missed conversion left them two points adrift.
In a frenzied final minute, the Tigers pushed hard for a game-winning play but were ultimately denied by a resolute Cowboys defense.
For the Tigers, the loss marks their 14th consecutive defeat in the NRLW, while the Cowboys can take heart in keeping their top-four aspirations alive with this hard-fought victory.
In a game filled with twists and turns, it was ultimately the Cowboys who emerged victorious, leaving the Tigers to rue what could have been.