Wests Tigers win golden point thriller against Cronulla Sharks

The Wests Tigers have secured a much-needed win in the 2025 NRL season, holding on for a gutsy 20-18 win in Golden Point over the Cronulla Sharks at Leichhardt Oval on Sunday afternoon.

It was the perfect return for teenage sensation Lachlan Galvin, who was recalled to the Tigers’ starting side just a week after being dropped amid contract drama.

The five-eighth made an immediate impact, splitting the defence early and setting up Samuela Fainu for the opening try as the Tigers took a 10-4 lead into the break.

Despite suggestions he might cop a hostile reception, the Leichhardt faithful rallied behind Galvin, with Fox League’s Michael Ennis noting, “There’s no booing there,” as the 19-year-old smiled and thrived under pressure.

The Sharks responded in the second half with tries from William Kennedy and Billy Burns. However, the Tigers, fueled by a raucous home crowd, found another level in golden point. Adam Doueihi slotted the clutch penalty goal in GP2 to secure the thrilling win for the Tigers.

Cronulla threw everything at the Tigers in the dying minutes, but desperate goal-line defence — highlighted by a game-saving tackle from Bula — kept them at bay.

It was a vital victory for the embattled club after their loss to the Eels on Easter Monday and injected belief back into Benji Marshall’s young side.

The result leaves the Tigers well-placed ahead of next week’s Magic Round clash, while the Sharks will rue missed opportunities and ill-discipline that cost them a valuable two competition points.

For the Tigers, the performance of Galvin — smiling, creative, and tough under pressure — will have fans dreaming again, while the Sharks will need to regroup quickly after their first loss in three weeks.

Sports news