LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
Report: Jersey Flegg Cup Round 20 vs Panthers
In a thrilling contest at Lidcombe Oval, Wests Tigers secured a crucial 32-20 victory over the Penrith Panthers in Round 20 of the Jersey Flegg Cup.
This win keeps the Tigers' hopes for the season alive.
The game started energetically, with the Panthers initially recovering their own short kick-off.
They were the first to score through Jirah Liddiard, but the Tigers quickly equalized as Max Taotua capitalized on a well-executed right-side play in the 11th minute.
Momentum shifted in favor of Wests as Lachlan Broederlow powered through for their second try, followed by a long-range, charge-down try from hooker Jared Haywood.
Just before halftime, Josh Feledy exploited space in the middle to score the Tigers' fourth try, giving them a solid 20-4 lead at the break, enhanced by Tino Tavana's conversion.
After halftime, Penrith surged back, scoring three quick tries within 12 minutes, leveling the score at 20-all.
This included a second try for Liddiard and a well-executed play by Poutoa Hotere-Papalii.
Despite the comeback, the Tigers responded decisively.
Mitch Taotua scored following a strong setup from Josese Lanyon and Max Liles, putting pressure back on the Panthers.
In a tense finish, Logan Brookes sealed the game with a clever dummy and dart for the match-winning try in the 68th minute.