As it happened: Bulldogs hold off fast-finishing Wests Tigers to go 2-0

Towering Tauaneai: The Bulldogs had a number of solid performers but it was 20-year-old back-rower Alexis Tauaneai who stole the show with 20 runs for 215 metres, five tackle breaks and a try in a powerhouse 70-minute display. She was well supported by fellow forwards Holli Wheeler (116 metres) and Angelina Teakaraanga-Katoa (121 metres) while fullback Andie Robinson carved out 20 runs for 164 metres.

Full-time: Despite failing to score a point in the second half the Bulldogs hold off the fast-finishing Wests Tigers to become just the third team in NRLW history to win their first two matches in their debut season. The Broncos achieved the feat in the first year of the competition in 2018 and Wests Tigers won their first two games when they joined the NRLW in 2023.

70 min: One last raid for the Tigers but a poor kick by Losana Lutu is cleaned up easily by Adi Vani Buleki and the Bulldogs hold on to go 2-0 in their debut season.

68 min: With a one-player advantage and on the attack the Tigers come up with an error through Christian Pio.

66 min: Bulldogs prop Angelina Teakaraanga-Katoa will spend the rest of the game in the sin bin after striking Jetaya Faifua with an open hand during a melee.

63 min: Losana Lutu kicks cross field and Caitlin Turnbull gets a clean catch at the ball but can't control it and a knock on is ruled. Bulldogs 12-8.

61 min: Bulldogs playmaker Ashleigh Quinlan left the field for a HIA which she passed.

59 min: A sensational 45-metre solo try by captain Kezie Apps continues the Tigers' comeback but Losana Lutu's missed conversion leaves the score at 12-8.

57 min: Emily Bass grabs the Tigers' first try after the Bulldogs fail to clean up a Losana Lutu bomb and the centre pounces on the loose ball. Lutu pushes the conversion wide. Bulldogs 12-4.

55 min: The Bulldogs lose their captain's challenge after unsuccessfully challenging a knock-on call.

51 min: A clever grubber by Losana Lutu forces a line dropout but Tayla Preston produces a superb dropout which goes into touch and the Bulldogs get the ball back.

45 min: A neat grubber by Evie McGrath earns the Tigers a line dropout but they come up empty on the repeat set and the Bulldogs remain 12-0 up.

40 min: The Tigers get across the line out wide but the last pass from Evie McGrath to Lily Rogan is ruled forward.

Half-time: The Bulldogs had 56 per cent of possession and completed 15 of 20 sets as they got the better of a gutsy Tigers unit late in the half. Back-rower Alexis Tauaneai showed the way with 12 runs for 132 metres, five tackle breaks and a try while Holli Wheeler clocked up 96 run metres. Wests Tigers came up with 14 missed tackles and seven errors in the opening 35 minutes.

29 min: Wests Tigers forward Jessikah Reeves leaves the field for a HIA. She is assessed as a Category 1 head knock and will not return.

28 min: A mistake by Caitlin Turnbull deep in her own territory hands the Bulldogs their second as Alexis Tauaneai pounces on the loose ball and powers over to score. Tayla Preston adds the extras. Bulldogs 12-0.

25 min: Former Tiger Ebony Prior sneaks over from dummy half to grab the game's opening try. Pani Hopoate laid the foundation with a barnstorming run to splinter the defence and Prior capitalised. Tayla Preston converts. Bulldogs 6-0.

22 min: Terina Te Tamaki puts down a bomb to heap more pressure on Wests Tigers but Hollie Wheeler returns the favour with a simple error and we stay at 0-0.

15 min: Playing in her 31st NRLW match, Christian Pio comes up with a one-on-one steal to get possession for the Tigers.

14 min: A rare chance for the Tigers to attack but Pihuka Berryman-Duff spills the ball.

11 min: A mistake by the Tigers coming out of their own end invites the Bulldogs into the Red Zone but a poor play the ball by Alexis Tauaneai on the goal line allows the home side to come away.

4 min: A strong run by Kezie Apps and she earns a penalty when Shaquaylah Mahakitau-Monschau flops in late and the Tigers go on the attack.

2 min: Both sides get through their opening set before the Bulldogs get the first penalty of the night for a slow peel by Montana Clifford.

 

Late Mail

Wests Tigers: Amelia Huakau comes into the starting side at lock an hour before kick-off with Jade Fonua going to the bench. Faythe Manera is the 18th player.

Bulldogs: As they did last week Ebony Prior and Shaquaylah Mahakitau-Monschau have swapped an hour before kick-off with Prior going to the bench and Mahakitau-Monschau starting at hooker. Hope Millard is again 18th player as she was last week.

Numbers Game

• Wests Tigers have lost both games played at Campbelltown Sports Stadium.
• Bulldogs hooker Ebony Prior played 13 games for Wests Tigers in 2023-24.
• The Tigers line-up includes three current Origin players Sarah Togatuki, Kezie Apps and Emily Bass.