Phil Rothfield: How Wests Tigers plan to dig out of current slump
The Tigers are coming off a shameful loss, but the club is manoeuvring to ensure it doesn’t happen again, writes PHIL ROTHFIELD.
Phil Rothfield
Don't miss out on the headlines from Phil Rothfield. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Michael Maguire will not be sacked and there are no crisis meetings happening at the Wests Tigers despite one of the most shameful performances in the club’s history over the weekend.
As much as the club is embarrassed and ashamed by the 66-16 defeat to Melbourne Storm on the Sunshine Coast, chairman Lee Hagipantelis insists the coaching role is not even being discussed.
“I’m embarrassed personally and I’m embarrassed for the club and our fans,” Hagipantelis told News Corp.
Stream selected Fox League shows on Kayo Freebies completely free this June including NRL 360, Sunday Night with Matty Johns, Big League Wrap & more. No Credit Card. No-brainer. Register Free Now >
“Look, 66 points is embarrassing. You can’t sugar coat it and no one is shirking away from it. It’s just embarrassing. Effort, attitude and a combination of things.
“It’s beyond my level of rugby league expertise to tell you how and why it happened. But we understand the pain that our fans are feeling.”
The Wests Tigers boss was on the Sunshine Coast for the game. He spoke to Maguire on Sunday morning about the performance.
“We were taught a really tough lesson by the preeminent team in the competition,” he said.
“That’s the standard we aspire to. Given our more recent performances, this result was inexplicable and difficult to accept. The players own it and the club owns it. We’re all hurting.
“We’re striving for consistency from top to bottom. There has erratic form across the competition, not just from us. Melbourne also put 50 on Souths a few weeks ago.”
Saturday night was the equal most points conceded by Wests Tigers. They lost 66-12 to the Eels way back in 2001.
They were so bad in the first half that Maguire refused to address the team at half-time.
There was nothing he could say.
This is a club that has no choice but to play a patient game.
They won’t be winning comps any time soon and the fans have to accept that.
Dare I say it but a ‘five-year-plan’ is what’s needed, just like the Panthers.
They have the longest finals drought in the NRL, having not played in the semis for 10 years.
Yet two great men are soon to arrive in four-time premiership coach Tim Sheens and former halfback champion Brett Kimmorley.
This will fix the area of recruitment where this club has been found wanting for too long.
The days of paying $800,000 for bum players are over.
Sheens and Kimmorley will reopen the pipeline and pathways from Campbelltown to ensure the next Israel Folau, James Tedesco or Jarryd Hayne is wearing their jersey.
“There will be huge improvements,” Hagipantelis said.
“Seriously, I could not be more impressed with Madge’s commitment and passion.
“Financially we’re in a stronger position than ever before. That’s allowed us to reinvest and to bring in people as respected as Tim Sheens and Brett Kimmorley who will work around Madge.”
Originally published as Phil Rothfield: How Wests Tigers plan to dig out of current slump
Buzz: First look at NRL’s bumper TV campaign
The saturation coverage of the NRL Las Vegas season opener has pushed the other 13 clubs into the background – until now, writes PHIL ROTHFIELD.
Buzz: Vegas refs revealed as new goalposts create a stir
In a special Las Vegas edition of highlights and lowlights, BUZZ ROTHFIELD lifts the lid on referees for the season openers and the goalposts set to create a surprise for NRL fans.