Adam Doueihi looked set to complete one of the NRL season’s biggest redemption stories when his late field goal pushed the Wests Tigers in front. Could the recalled playmaker finally silence a week of controversy with a match-winning performance?
Instead, Isaiah Iongi crossed in the closing minutes to secure a dramatic 16-13 victory for Parramatta and condemn the Tigers to a seventh consecutive defeat.
Doueihi Almost Produces the Perfect Response
Doueihi returned at halfback after sitting out the Tigers’ previous match against Canberra amid his highly publicised disagreement with coach Benji Marshall.
The 27-year-old delivered the response his coach was hoping for, scoring a second-half try, converting both of the Tigers’ tries and slotting a field goal in the 72nd minute to give his side a 13-12 lead.
The performance also included 96 running metres, six tackle breaks and a line break, while his kicking game helped the Tigers force repeat sets throughout the contest.
Marshall praised Doueihi’s character after the match, saying the playmaker had produced an “outstanding” performance following one of the most difficult weeks of his career.
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Iongi Delivers the Final Twist
Doueihi’s field goal appeared to have completed a remarkable comeback after the Tigers trailed 12-0 at half-time.
However, Parramatta responded almost immediately.
Mitchell Moses shifted the ball wide to Iongi, who took advantage of a defensive stumble from Heamasi Makasini before racing through the gap for the decisive try in the 76th minute. Moses missed the conversion, but the Eels held on for a three-point victory.
The late four-pointer was Iongi’s only try of the match, but it proved enough to prevent the Tigers from completing their comeback.
Eels Survive Error-Filled Performance
Parramatta’s victory came despite an untidy performance that included 19 errors and a completion rate of just 67 per cent.
The Eels controlled the opening half through tries to Jordan Samrani and Tallyn Da Silva, with Moses converting both to establish a 12-0 advantage at the break.
Fonua Pole powered over shortly after half-time to begin the Tigers’ comeback before Doueihi scored beside the posts to level the contest.
Both teams continued to create opportunities, but errors repeatedly halted their momentum. The Tigers finished with 15 errors of their own and were unable to capitalise on several attacking chances near Parramatta’s line.
Tigers’ Finals Hopes Officially End
The defeat ended the Tigers’ slim mathematical hopes of reaching the top eight and extended their losing run to seven matches.
Marshall’s side has now lost 10 of its past 12 games after beginning the season with genuine finals ambitions.
Despite the result, Doueihi’s performance offered a major positive for the Tigers. His return brought greater control and threat to their attack, leaving Marshall with little doubt about who should wear the No.7 jersey over the closing rounds.
For Parramatta, the victory provided another encouraging result under Jason Ryles and completed a measure of revenge after the Tigers defeated them 22-20 in a dramatic golden-point match earlier in the season.
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