Wests Tigers centre Patrick Herbert made a sensational return to the NRL after a four-year hiatus, showcasing his skills with a brilliant try assist and scoring a try himself during a commanding first half against the Knights at Campbelltown.
Herbert, who last played in the NRL with the Titans in 2022, was a last-minute addition to the Tigers squad. With the score already 12-0 in favour of the Tigers, Herbert made a significant impact. Receiving a pass from Apisai Koroisau on the fourth tackle, he was initially held but managed to free his arm to execute an impressive overhead pass to teammate Sunia Turuva, who scored his second try of the match.
Commentators were left in awe of Herbert’s athleticism. Brenton Speed remarked, “Patrick Herbert thinks he’s a quarterback,” and Phil Gould praised the execution, highlighting the difficulty of making such a play while airborne. The Tigers’ lead extended to 16-0 following Herbert’s assist, with Brad Fittler labelling the move a “brave play.”
As the first half progressed, Herbert added to the Tigers’ scoreline just five minutes before the interval. He broke through on the right flank, faked a pass to outmaneuver Fletcher Hunt, and crossed the line for a try, underscoring his impactful performance.
Jahream Bula also contributed by scoring just prior to half-time, making the score 28-4 at the break, reflecting the Tigers’ dominance throughout the half. Herbert’s exceptional return not only highlighted his talent but also boosted the Tigers’ momentum going forward in the game.