“We are just happy.”
That’s the explanation from five-eighth Losana Lutu on how Wests Tigers go from three wins from 20 games over the past two seasons to four victories in six weeks in 2026.
Last year's wooden spooners are now sitting fifth and heading towards a maiden finals campaign under new coach Craig Sandercock.
The Warriors, currently one spot higher in fourth, are next up on Sunday at CommBank Stadium.
Lutu has been there for the hard times at ‘Tigertown’ and is now in the glow of the good.
“We have had good recruitment with more experienced players like Shaylee (Bent), Rae (McGregor) and Holli (Wheeler) in the team, even Shaniece Monschau (from Bulldogs) – they do all the hard work,” Lutu told NRL.com.
“New players have been a big change but another big one is that we’re just happy.
McGregor masterclass
“To be honest it was hard last year but winning brings the happiness, the spirit.
“We just can’t get complacent. We have to keep showing up and putting in the work in between.”
Lutu has definitely been on the rehab treadmill playing just three games in 2025 (knee) and then a shoulder injury after Round 1 in 2026. Into her fourth season with the Concord-based club she has played only 19 games.
“It is what it is. I just keep putting my best foot forward and hopefully I get a clear run," she said.
Dragons v Wests Tigers - Round 6, 2026
“I just have to stay positive – just know that if I do the work, I can get back playing.
“I just keep reassuring myself that my body is strong and I can take care of anything that comes my way.”
Wests Tigers 16-12 win over the Dragons was Lutu’s third game this year. She made the most of it with two line-breaks, five tackle busts, and a try in the 33rd minute.
While the Dragons were focused on keeping McGregor quiet after her double against the Sharks in Magic Round, Lutu ran around unfettered.
“Rae is so good. She’s got good experience and I just play off the back of her,” Lutu said.
“She’s far more direct and for me, with her in the team, I get to play my running game – play what’s in front of me.
“I let her take more of the direction of the attack and I just follow her.”
The past two wins were the first time the Lutu-McGregor partnership has been on display in back-to-back matches.
All about that Bass!
“I know I need to try to relieve some of the pressure off her more because I know teams target her,” Lutu said.
“So I try to help her out while still feeling the freedom to play my game.”
Following the Warriors the Wests Tigers are due to face another top-six team in Newcastle Knights.
“This next fortnight will really test us and tell us how we stack up this year,” Lutu said.
The NRLW finals are already a goal firmly in the 22-year-old’s mind but so is rejoining Fiji, who have qualified for this year’s World Cup.
How many did Lutu beat!
She would like to add to her two Tests from the 2024 Pacific Championships.
“I want to stay fit by the back end of the season and hopefully get picked,” she said.
Fiji opens its World Cup campaign against the New Zealand Ferns on Sunday, October 18, at McDonald Jones Stadium.
Then Papua New Guinea in Port Moresby (October 24) and France at Cbus Stadium on the Gold Coast (October 31) complete their pool games.
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