In a lively NRL Round 13 contest, the Wests Tigers and Canterbury Bulldogs produced an entertaining first half that saw the Tigers take control early before the Bulldogs fought their way back into the match.

The Tigers struck first through a strong attacking spell that included a towering finish from Faaletino Tavana, who capitalised on a well-placed Jock Madden kick to open the scoring.Jahream Bula also crossed after a slick passing movement involving Jarome Luai and Kai Pearce-Paul, helping the Tigers build a 16-0 advantage.Despite the early deficit, the Bulldogs gradually worked their way into the contest through territory and physical pressure.Jacob Kiraz produced a standout moment, finishing a brilliant individual try after a defensive lapse from Bula.Sitili Tupouniua was influential in attack, consistently bending the defensive line and setting up opportunities for his teammates.

The Tigers, however, remained resilient, with key defensive efforts including a crucial try-saving tackle from Bula on Stephen Crichton just before halftime, preventing the Bulldogs from closing the gap further.At the break, the Tigers led 16-6 in what had been a tight and physical contest despite the scoreboard difference.

Early in the second half, the Bulldogs continued to apply pressure and eventually narrowed the margin when Enari Tuala scored in the corner after a sharp offload from Tupouniua.Matt Burton’s conversion attempt drifted wide, leaving the Tigers ahead 16-10 with just over half an hour remaining.

The match remained finely poised, with the Bulldogs spending extended periods in the Tigers’ half, while both sides struggled at times with execution in attack.

The game developed into a hard-fought arm wrestle, with momentum shifting as Canterbury attempted to complete a comeback against a disciplined Tigers defensive line.