Tigers break six game losing streak

v BYE

Wests Tigers have broken a six game losing streak by running out 30-22 winners over South Sydney in front of 11,229 fans at ANZ Stadium.

Coming off the back of a humiliating loss at the hands of Canberra last week, a blistering start from the Tigers laid the platform for a much needed win.

In a bizarre opening to the match, Tigers half Mitchell Moses was a late withdrawal, after straining his calf in the warm-up. Seemingly in disarray, the visitor's defied expectations early by dominating the South Sydney forwards to establish a 20-0 lead in even time.

Needing just three minutes to open proceedings through James Tedesco, further tries to Jordan Rankin (10th minute), Luke Brooks (13h minute) and Kevin Naiqama (19th minute) put the game out of reach, as the Rabbitohs defence leaked 22 missed tackles in the opening half.

In a brief moment of respite for South Sydney, a fortuitous try to centre Kirisome Auva'a five minute before the break saw the home side trail 20-6 at halftime.

Needing to respond early after the resumption of play, an error by David Nofoaluma enabled Bryson Goodwin to strike in the 43rd minute. Shortly after, the momentum of the match appeared to shift in favour of South Sydney, as Dane Nielsen crossed for his first try as a Rabbitoh to reduce the margin to just two points.

In danger of letting yet another game slip from their grasp, the Tigers responded in the 53rd minute as Jordan Rankin beat Greg Inglis to the ball, providing the visitors with an eight point buffer heading into the closing stages.

A further try to David Nofoaluma iced the game in the 62nd minute, while a late consolation effort by Goodwin saw the scoreline finish 30-22.

In dire need of a win the Tigers will be buoyed their performance, especially given the adversity they faced losing Mitchell Moses just before the kick-off.

For the Rabbitohs, a sixth loss in their past seven matches sees the former heavyweights in serious danger heading into the representative round. Physically dominated by the Tigers forwards early on, coach Michael Maguire will need a sharp response from his side if they are to challenge for the top eight in 2016.

After the representative round, South Sydney travel to Parramatta to face the Eels, while the Tigers will tackle the Bulldogs at ANZ Stadium.