SYDNEY, 20 February 2026 – The Wests Tigers have sent a shockwave through the NRL pre-season, securing a dominant 26-12 victory over the Penrith Panthers at Leichhardt Oval tonight. While the result marks a significant boost for Benji Marshall’s side, the match was overshadowed by a disciplinary flashpoint involving Panthers superstar Nathan Cleary, leaving his availability for the season opener in serious doubt.
Match Report: Tigers Rookie Shines as Cleary Sees Red
In a high-stakes Pre-Season Challenge Round 3 clash, the Wests Tigers proved they are ready to shed their “cellar-dweller” tag. The standout performer was rookie sensation Makasini, who scored a spectacular solo try that left the Penrith defence scrambling. The Tigers’ victory ensures they go two-from-two in the pre-season challenge, providing much-needed optimism for a fan base desperate to end a 15-year finals drought.
The evening took a dark turn for the defending premiers when Nathan Cleary was sent to the sin bin following a high tackle on Makasini. Cleary, who was booed by the Leichhardt faithful as he left the field, now faces a nervous wait for the Match Review Committee’s findings. Early reports suggest the “brutal” nature of the incident puts him at high risk of missing the NRL Round 1 opener.
Head-to-Head History and Records
Despite the Tigers’ recent pre-season success, the Penrith Panthers have historically dominated this match-up. Since the turn of the century, the Panthers have maintained a superior winning percentage, including several high-scoring victories.
| Category | Record / Detail | Date/Context |
|---|---|---|
| Biggest Winning Margin | 34 Points (Penrith 44 – Wests Tigers 10) | 25 August 2001 |
| Historical Record (as of 2012) | Panthers 14, Wests Tigers 7 | First 21 Meetings |
| Last Regular Season Meeting | Penrith 36 – Wests Tigers 2 | Round 21, 2025 |
| Recent Pre-Season Result | Wests Tigers 26 – Penrith 12 | 20 February 2026 |
Public Insight: A New Era at Concord?
Public sentiment following tonight’s match is at a multi-year high for the Tigers. Fans on social media have praised the “Benji vision,” noting that the addition of Kai Pearce-Paul and the emergence of young talent like Makasini have “turbo-charged” the team’s rise. Conversely, Panthers supporters are voicing concerns over a potential “mass exodus” of forwards and the immediate impact of Cleary’s looming suspension.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to Nathan Cleary in the Tigers vs Panthers trial?
Nathan Cleary was sin-binned during the match on 20 February 2026, for a high shot on Tigers rookie Makasini. He is currently in doubt for the start of the 2026 NRL premiership season pending a review by the judiciary.
Who won the Wests Tigers vs Panthers pre-season game?
The Wests Tigers won the match 26-12 at Leichhardt Oval, marking their second consecutive win in the 2026 Pre-Season Challenge.
Where can I see the highlights of the match?
Highlights are typically made available on the official NRL website and Fox Sports Australia shortly after the full-time whistle.
When is the next official NRL game for these teams?
Following the conclusion of the Pre-Season Challenge this weekend, both teams will prepare for Round 1 of the 2026 NRL Telstra Premiership, scheduled to begin in early March.