LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
The Wests Tigers have clawed their way to a crucial victory in the Jersey Flegg Cup, keeping their finals dreams alive with a thrilling 23-22 win over the Sea Eagles on Saturday arvo.
In a game that had fans on the edge of their seats, it was 17-year-old sensation, Heamasi Makasini, who broke the deadlock with a try in the left corner after a tough and gritty start to the match.
The young gun, a product of the Wests Magpies Harold Matthews Cup, showed why he was awarded the Player of the Series in the U/17s competition earlier this year with his debut try.
The Tigers didn't stop there, extending their lead with a brilliant solo effort from teenage fullback Cameron Kanaan, who crossed the try line for the first time at the U/21s level.
Manly fought back though, with Carsen Patu getting on the scoresheet before half-time, but it was Kallum Weatherall-Stacey's conversion that saw the Tigers take a 10-6 lead into the sheds.
The second half was a see-saw battle, with both teams exchanging blows on the field.
The Tigers struck first, but the Sea Eagles fought back with two quick tries to snatch a narrow lead.
It was a nail-biting finish, but in the end, the Wests Tigers emerged victorious, keeping their finals hopes alive and kicking with a gutsy performance on the field.