Sports
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Tigers bid farewell to coach vs. Warriors' rising stars
It’s a familiar feeling, isn’t it? That end-of-season game, where the scoreboard doesn't quite matter as much as the stories being told on the field. This Sunday, as the Wests Tigers and the New Zealand Warriors step onto Campbelltown Sports Stadium, there's a palpable sense of closing a chapter and, for one team, perhaps a hopeful glimpse into the future.
For the Wests Tigers, this game is more than just the final round of their NRLW campaign. It’s the farewell appearance for their inaugural Head Coach, Brett Kimmorley. As reported, Kimmorley has been instrumental in building the foundations of the club’s women’s program since 2023. You can imagine the dedication, the late nights, the sheer effort that goes into establishing something from scratch. It’s going to be an emotional send-off, and you can bet the players will be digging deep to give him a win to remember. Even star forward Sala Togatuki has spoken about the significance of sending Kimmorley out on a high note.
The Tigers have made some changes, with Evie McGrath stepping into fullback after an unfortunate head knock to Caitlin Turnbull, and the forward pack seeing a reshuffle. It’s a testament to the depth they’ve been building, even in a season where finals weren't on the cards.
On the other side, the Warriors are a fascinating story this season. Returning to the NRLW, they’ve faced their challenges, losing four straight matches at one point. Yet, as we’ve seen in their resilience and the emergence of exciting young talent like Tyra Wetere and Payton Takimoana, there’s a real sense of optimism. They’re welcoming back key players from suspension, including Laishon Albert-Jones and Tysha Ikenasio, which will undoubtedly give them a boost. While Patricia Maliepo is out with injury, Emmanita Paki steps into the five-eighth role, showing the next generation stepping up.
This warriors vs tigers matchup, while not deciding any finals berths, feels charged with different kinds of energy. It's about honoring commitment, celebrating development, and showcasing the raw talent that makes women's rugby league so compelling. Will the Tigers’ desire to send their coach off a winner overcome the Warriors’ emerging grit and young talent eager to finish their season strong? It’s a question that makes you lean in, doesn't it?
For the Wests Tigers, this game is more than just the final round of their NRLW campaign. It’s the farewell appearance for their inaugural Head Coach, Brett Kimmorley. As reported, Kimmorley has been instrumental in building the foundations of the club’s women’s program since 2023. You can imagine the dedication, the late nights, the sheer effort that goes into establishing something from scratch. It’s going to be an emotional send-off, and you can bet the players will be digging deep to give him a win to remember. Even star forward Sala Togatuki has spoken about the significance of sending Kimmorley out on a high note.
The Tigers have made some changes, with Evie McGrath stepping into fullback after an unfortunate head knock to Caitlin Turnbull, and the forward pack seeing a reshuffle. It’s a testament to the depth they’ve been building, even in a season where finals weren't on the cards.
On the other side, the Warriors are a fascinating story this season. Returning to the NRLW, they’ve faced their challenges, losing four straight matches at one point. Yet, as we’ve seen in their resilience and the emergence of exciting young talent like Tyra Wetere and Payton Takimoana, there’s a real sense of optimism. They’re welcoming back key players from suspension, including Laishon Albert-Jones and Tysha Ikenasio, which will undoubtedly give them a boost. While Patricia Maliepo is out with injury, Emmanita Paki steps into the five-eighth role, showing the next generation stepping up.
This warriors vs tigers matchup, while not deciding any finals berths, feels charged with different kinds of energy. It's about honoring commitment, celebrating development, and showcasing the raw talent that makes women's rugby league so compelling. Will the Tigers’ desire to send their coach off a winner overcome the Warriors’ emerging grit and young talent eager to finish their season strong? It’s a question that makes you lean in, doesn't it?
