Wests Tigers Upset Sydney Roosters as Jock Madden Hits Winning Field Goal

The Wests Tigers pulled off a memorable 25-24 victory against the Sydney Roosters in Round 25 of the Telstra Premiership at Allianz Stadium on Sunday, August 23, 2026. Entering the match as competition leaders and sitting on top of the table, the Roosters suffered a major blow to their minor premiership and top-two hopes, falling down to third position after the loss, according to news.com.au. The Warriors moved into top spot with two rounds remaining.

Wests Tigers Produce Stunning Upset Over Sydney Roosters

For the Tigers, the win snapped an eight-match losing streak and marked one of the biggest upsets of the year. Wests Tigers Head Coach Benji Marshall reflected on the achievement after the match, stating, It is the proudest I’ve ever been as a coach, given we lost Twaly in the first set of the game, defensively probably our most experienced player. Marshall added, Without sugarcoating it, we had guys on train-and-trial deals and development deals in our back line playing against the team coming first; I’m just proud of the effort. As a Club, that is one of the best wins we’ve had.

Jock Madden Secures Victory With Late Field Goal

With the score tied 24-24 in the dying stages, halfback Jock Madden stepped up to seal the result. After a Roosters set from just shy of their own 40-metre line broke down due to an intercepted offload by Terrell May following pressure from a late field goal attempt, the Tigers marched down the field.

Round 25: Roosters vs Wests Tigers | Highlights — Photo: smh.com.au

In the 79th minute, under immense pressure, Jock Madden nailed a field goal from 30 metres out right in front of the posts to put his side ahead 25-24. The Roosters attempted a final challenge after Api Koroisau kicked the ball into touch with seconds remaining to stop the clock, but the challenge failed.

Early Drama and First-Half Momentum

The contest began with immediate adversity for the visitors when forward Alex Twal was knocked out just 45 seconds into the match during a three-man tackle alongside Tony Sukkar, suffering blood streaming from his face and failing a head injury assessment (HIA) in the sheds. Billy Smith immediately crossed for the Roosters in the 3rd minute off a Sam Walker conversion to take a 6-0 lead.

Wests Tigers Upset Sydney Roosters as Jock Madden Hits Winning Field Goal — Photo: news.com.au

The Tigers responded when Madden sent a cut-out pass to Patrick Herbert, who set up Jeral Skelton for a try in the right corner. Herbert later collected a dropped ball and offloaded to Tony Sukkar to take the lead, before Herbert combined again with Skelton for his second try. Right before halftime, Walker spread the ball left to Smith to level the score at 12-12.

Roosters Comeback Falls Short After Second-Half Surge

The Tigers extended their advantage after the break when Solomone Saukuru scored off an offload from Samuela Fainu, followed by a 60th-minute try from Api Koroisau that pushed the margin to 24-12.

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However, the Roosters mounted a fierce response. Robert Toia crossed in the corner in the 64th minute, and Mark Nawaqanitawase later combined in a passing sequence that allowed Sam Walker to score in the 72nd minute. Walker subsequently kicked a penalty goal in the 76th minute to tie the game at 24-24, before Madden’s late heroics secured the win for the Tigers.