Sunday arvo footy: Wests Tigers v Titans
Emotions are sure to run high on Sunday afternoon as Wests Tigers play their final match at Leichhardt Oval before the iconic ground is redeveloped.
The hill will be packed, the stands will be packed and the Tigers faithful will reminisce about the glory days when Wayne Pearce and Steve Roach were the kings of Balmain.
If the 2026 Tigers are to sign off in style from Leichhardt, they will need a dramatic turnaround in form following last weekend's 68-0 horror show against the Panthers.
They confront a dangerous Titans that showed exactly what they are capable of against the Broncos with some stunning long-range tries in a 28-23 upset victory.
Follow all the action from Round 15 of the NRL Telstra Premiership on NRL.com's live blog.
* Be there to see Wests Tigers and the Titans take part in Rugby League Las Vegas 2027. Charters are available now and tickets go on sale to the general public on Friday June 12. CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS
Wests Tigers v Titans at Leichhardt Oval
Match: Wests Tigers v Titans
Round 15 -
home Team
Wests Tigers
10th Position
away Team
Titans
16th Position
Venue: Leichhardt Oval, Sydney
Match broadcasters:
- WatchNRL
27th min: Wests Tigers go further in front, with Taylan May running over. The two fullbacks Keano Kini and Bula both go up for a kick and the Fiji international is able to snatch it out of the grasp of the Kiwi international and pass it to the chasing May. Some good lead-up work from Luai in the lead-up with a run upfield. Madden converts for a 12-0 lead.
Injury update - Kai Pearce-Paul has come from the field with a reported left pec injury.
13th min: Wests Tigers are first on the board, making the most of their dominant share of possession. While the Titans had done well to hold them out for repeat sets at their line, they have eventually cracked, with Starford To'a going over on the left edge after a nice backline play. Jock Madden converts and it's 6-0.
9th min: The Titans do a good job to hold up Jahream Bula who went high to bring down a kick, but could not get the ball down despite getting over the line. Score remains 0-0.
Kick off: Wests Tigers have first use of the ball for their final match at Leichhardt Oval before redevelopment.
Hear from the players
Moe Fotuaika
Fotuaika ready for Leichhardt challenge
Jarome Luai
Luai and the Wests Tigers look to bounce back
Match preview:
Wests Tigers v Titans: Round 15
Late Mail
Wests Tigers: Some late switches on game day with Josese Lanyon set to start at hooker in his debut, Bunty Afoa coming in at prop and Alex Seyfarth at lock, pushing Sione Fainu into the second row. Latu Fainu, Fonua Pole and Tony Sukkar move to the bench, with Tristan Hope dropping out. Benji Marshall's men are preparing for their last game at Leichhardt Oval before the ground is closed for a redevelopment. The return of centre Taylan May from a shoulder injury pushes Sunia Turuva back out to the wing. Patrick Herbert returns from suspension on the other wing, replacing Heamasi Makasini when the side was trimmed 24-hours from kick-off. Jeral Skelton and Faaletino Tavana both make way. Latu Fainu was originally named to start at hooker with Api Koroisau in NSW camp. Halfback Jock Madden has been named to play despite hurting his arm against the Panthers but prop Royce Hunt (pectoral) faces a lengthy stint on the sidelines after undergoing surgery. Sione Fainu returns from concussion along with while Tony Sukkar with Mavrik Geyer and Charlie Murray shifting to the bench.
Titans: Titans will line up as named with no late changes on game day. Jaylan De Groot is set to line up in the centres in place of Queensland outside back Jojo Fifita, while Klese Haas replaces Tino Fa'asuamaleaui in the front row. Chris Randall has been ruled out after being placed in the concussion protocol, with Jett Liu coming on to the bench for a potential NRL debut.
Numbers Game
- Wests Tigers have won five of their last six games at Leichhardt Oval.
- The Titans have lost their last three games after defeating the Broncos.
- Wests Tigers have scored 105 points in their last three games at Leichhardt.
- Titans winger Phillip Sami has scored seven tries in his last six games against Wests Tigers.
- Wests Tigers fullback Jahream Bula has scored seven tries in nine games at Leichhardt Oval.
