Wests Tigers Emerging as the Feel-Good Story of 2025
The Wests Tigers have quickly become the feel-good story of the 2025 NRL season following their remarkable comeback win over the Dolphins on Super Saturday. While it’s still early days, this is a vastly different Tigers side compared to the team that collected three consecutive wooden spoons—one that likely would have crumbled when trailing 18-6 in previous years.
The arrival of key recruits such as Terrell May, Jarome Luai, Sunia Turuva, Jack Bird, and Royce Hunt has injected fresh energy and transformed the Tigers’ playing style. Adding to that is the continued rise of young gun Lachie Galvin, whose future reportedly hinges on the club’s coaching situation. If that’s the case, Benji Marshall is building a strong case for Galvin to stay.
Marshall’s Tactical Brilliance
With the Tigers trailing 18-6, Marshall made a pivotal decision to introduce rising hooker Tallyn Da Silva 10 minutes before halftime—a move that proved to be a game-changer. Da Silva’s speed out of dummy-half immediately unsettled the Dolphins’ defense, and the young hooker powered over the line from close range to cut the deficit to 18-12 by halftime.
Despite playing into a strong breeze in the second half, the Tigers took the game to the Dolphins with aggressive attacking play and committed defensive efforts. When the match was in the balance, Marshall brought co-captain Api Koroisau back on 12 minutes into the second half, and the veteran’s creativity out of dummy-half quickly made an impact.
Leading 24-18 with 10 minutes remaining, the Tigers produced a clever trick play. While it appeared they were setting up for a field goal, Koroisau instead took advantage of the hesitation in the Dolphins’ defense, scooping up the ball and charging over the line to seal the win.
Positive Signs for the Future
These are hugely encouraging signs for a club that has been anchored to the bottom of the NRL ladder for the past three seasons and hasn’t featured in the finals since 2011. It’s no secret that Galvin’s future is a hot topic, with reports suggesting his next move will be influenced by the club’s coaching situation. Adding another layer of intrigue is the fact that one of Galvin’s agents, Isaac Moses, is reportedly not a fan of Marshall—a dynamic that is playing out in the media.
On the field, Galvin’s performance on Saturday was another reminder of his immense talent. The Tigers’ five-eighth showcased his fitness and competitive edge, operating on both sides of the field and even taking hit-ups through the middle when required. His impressive display drew comparisons to a young Benji Marshall, who burst onto the scene as a teenage sensation in 2003 after arriving at Concord from Keebra Park High School.
Retaining Galvin and Da Silva a Priority
The Tigers are preparing to table a massive offer to keep Galvin at the club, and Marshall’s impressive start to the season with an improved roster will only strengthen their case. The same applies to Da Silva, another local junior whose partnership with Galvin helped the Wests Magpies win the SG Ball premiership in 2022. Keeping these rising stars at the club will be essential for the Tigers’ long-term success.
Dramatic Defensive Improvement
Perhaps the most telling indicator of the Tigers’ transformation is their defensive turnaround. Last season, they conceded 750 points at an average of 31.25 points per game. While it’s only been three rounds in 2025, the Tigers are currently conceding just 11.3 points per game—an extraordinary improvement that reflects the work put in over a long offseason.
Such a turnaround is no accident and serves as further proof that Marshall’s coaching is making a significant impact. The Tigers’ winning momentum could become the ultimate selling point in convincing their emerging playmakers to stay on board.
