Wests Tigers hit NRL bottom after shoddy Sea Eagles display

LAST week, Wests Tigers blew the reigning premiers away. On Saturday morning, those same players wake up equal last on the NRL ladder.

NRL Rd 15 - Sea Eagles v Tigers

LAST Friday night, the Wests Tigers absolutely blew the reigning premiers off the park.

On Saturday morning, those same Tigers players will awake knowing they are equal last on the NRL ladder.

If you thought the Daly Cherry-Evans contract drama was hard to keep up with, imagine Tigers fans trying to work out what their team will produce each week.

The Tigers looked good at times on Friday night.

There was winger Kevin Naiqama’s wonderful diving effort to score a try in the corner, even dislocating his finger in the process.

Fullback James Tedesco was again dangerous with the ball, worrying the Sea Eagles defence every time.

COMEDOWN: Sea Eagles bring Tigers back to Earth

EYE-WATERING: Naiqama dislocates finger

Martin Taupau was as powerful as ever — but it didn’t help win the game.

So, too, did big Marty Taupau, who needed three players to bring him down every time.

But the Tigers also had their horror moments.

Good luck trying to work out what they’ll dish up against Penrith next Sunday afternoon at spiritual Leichhardt Oval.

Such is the nature of the NRL competition that a win last night would have put the Tigers in the top eight.

Another couple of losses and the Tigers can forget about September.

The frustrating thing is they weren’t expected to do much this year because of their young squad. But flashes of brilliance, like last weekend’s powerhouse win over South Sydney, makes it impossible for their faithful not to dream.

Coach Jason Taylor wasn’t worried about the ladder, and simply wanted consistency.

He noticed this week’s preparation wasn’t as slick as it was leading into the Bunnies’ carve-up.

“Our preparation last week was first class, this week wasn’t as good,’’ Taylor said.

“It’s not OK as coaches to let guys get away with it. But we were confident they had the extra spring in their step due to the fact they had such a great win. Looking back at it, we didn’t prepare well enough, and we got what we deserved.

“I don’t feel frustrated. How many times have I sat here and said we’re looking for consistency? We’re not getting it yet, but we’re working towards it, and we have to keep at it.’’

Aaron Woods backed up from Origin, and said there was a lack of urgency last night from his clubmates, but they had done well to stick with Manly.

Had it been last year’s side, if Manly had put on a few points, it would have ended in a blowout, said Woods.

Pat Richards slides over the line for a try.

Skipper Robbie Farah will definitely return against Penrith next week after giving his shoulder some much-needed rest after Origin II. Taylor said Farah’s shoulder was ‘’more sore today than it was yesterday’’.

Centre David Nofoaluma was assisted from the field before half-time with a knee injury, while Naiqama came off late with concussion. Chris Lawrence was also placed on report for a crusher tackle on Tom Trbojevic, but it would be a surprise if he’s charged.

It was a disappointing way to celebrate the 200-game milestone for popular Tigers’ prop Keith Galloway. He deserved better. Maybe the Tigers will turn it on next week.

Maybe they won’t. Who knows?

Originally published as Wests Tigers hit NRL bottom after shoddy Sea Eagles display