Wests Tigers vs Parramatta Eels: NRL Pre-Season Challenge Week 3 Recap

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The Wests Tigers have secured a 30-18 victory over the Parramatta Eels in Week 3 of the 2025 NRL Pre-Season Challenge. The match, played at Leichhardt Oval, saw the Tigers dominate the Eels, with standout performances from Terrell May, Fonua Pole, and Lachlan Galvin. However, the win was marred by a serious injury to centre Brent Naden, who suffered a dislocated kneecap in the first half. Naden's injury has raised concerns about his availability for the upcoming season, given his history of shoulder problems.

The game saw several new recruits make their debut for their respective teams, including Josh Addo-Carr, Zac Lomax, and Jack Bird for the Eels, and Terrell May, Royce Hunt, and Jeral Skelton for the Tigers. The Tigers' spine, led by Lachlan Galvin, had their moments, with Galvin looking sharp and $6 million halfback Jarome Luai watching on from the stands. The Eels, on the other hand, were led by new coach Jason Ryles, who emphasized pace and backed Isaiah Iongi as his fullback. Iongi had a impressive game, scoring a solo try and finishing with 123 running metres and seven tackle busts.

The match was marked by several notable moments, including a dislocated kneecap injury to Brent Naden, which saw him assisted from the field. The Tigers' forward pack, led by Terrell May and Fonua Pole, was impressive, with May churning through 147 running metres and Pole racking up 177 run metres. The Eels' new recruits, including Josh Addo-Carr and Zac Lomax, had mixed performances, with Addo-Carr spending more time on the bench than on the field. The Tigers' backline was also impressive, with Solomona Faataape and Jeral Skelton scoring tries and Adam Doueihi kicking several goals.

The final score was Wests Tigers 30, Parramatta Eels 18, with the Tigers' victory a testament to their teamwork and determination. The match was also notable for the debut of several new players, including Isaiah Iongi, who had a impressive game for the Eels. The Tigers will face the Knights in Campbelltown in round one, while the Eels will take on Manly in Brookvale. The injury to Brent Naden will be a concern for the Tigers, but the team's overall performance was positive, with several players standing out.

The game was played in front of a crowd at Leichhardt Oval, with the Tigers' fans cheering on their team to victory. The match was also streamed live online, allowing fans to watch from around the world. The NRL Pre-Season Challenge is an important part of the league's preparations for the upcoming season, with teams using the matches to test their squads and strategies. The Wests Tigers' victory over the Parramatta Eels was a significant one, and the team will be looking to build on this performance in the coming weeks.