Tigers’ Sister Act Lifts Curtain on Season of Promise

Author: Ryan Selvage NSWRL.com.au
Timestamp: Sat 10 Feb 2018, 12:22 PM

They’re the sisters not doing it for themselves.

Playing an integral role in the ‘team-first’ mentality instilled in the new-look Wests Tigers Harvey Norman Tarsha Gale Cup side, Campbelltown products Emily and Sophie Curtain have shown that last year’s wooden spooners will be no easy-beats in 2018.

The Tigers went winless in season 2017, but notched up their maiden victory in the competition with a last-gasp 20-18 win over defending premiers Penrith at Panthers Stadium. In the win, Emily Curtain crossed for two of the side’s three tries before slotting a penalty goal on the cusp of full-time to earn a vital two competition points.

The historic win for the Wests Tigers is one that might not have been if not for sister Sophie, who first introduced the crafty ball-player to the game of Rugby League.

“Sophie was playing footy for Eagle Vale / St Andrews, and I really wanted to play too. Luckily for us we were picked [at Junior Representative trials] it’s a good experience to play together for the Tigers,” Emily Curtain tells NSWRL.com.au.

“That’s been the goal throughout our pre-season training, to work as a team. To get that [penalty goal] for the girls, I was really excited.”

Flooded by the congratulations of her teammates at the sound of the final siren, Curtain was quick to earn the praise of coach Paul Bent as the Tigers soaked up the win.

“It’s Emily’s first year, and she’s a year younger than a lot of the other girls, so to see her produce what she has today it’s very promising for the weeks to come,” Bent tells NSWRL.com.au.

“We’re all proud of her, the team and the coaching staff, her family. The girls are really playing for each other, playing for the club.

“We’re all proud to represent the club. I’ve always said to them that effort gets results … I couldn’t be prouder of their efforts.”

The Wests Tigers women will be looking to make it back-to-back successes in their Round 2 clash with the Newcastle Knights at Leichhardt Oval next Saturday (17 February).