Teenage playmaker Lachlan Galvin inspired the Wests Tigers to a gritty 18-16 victory over South Sydney, keeping their hopes alive of avoiding the NRL wooden spoon.
The 19-year-old set up two tries in the first half as the Tigers surged to a 16-4 lead at halftime. Fellow young players Luke Laulilii and Heath Mason also played pivotal roles, with Laulilii scoring a try and making a crucial try-saving tackle, while Mason ran a team-high 175 meters in his debut at fullback. Despite a strong second-half comeback by the Rabbitohs, the Tigers’ defense held firm to secure their fifth win of the season.
The Tigers’ victory puts them just two points behind Parramatta with two rounds remaining, including a crucial match against the Eels in Round 27. Galvin’s leadership on the field was evident, particularly when he created overlaps for Laulilii and Adam Doueihi to score during a critical period when Rabbitohs’ Richie Kennar was in the sin bin. The Rabbitohs nearly completed a dramatic comeback, but a disallowed try in the final seconds allowed the Tigers to hang on for a much-needed win.
