NRL 2023: Tim Sheens facing crisis as Wests Tigers slump to new low

Serious questions need to be asked about Tim Sheens and the Wests Tigers as they were embarrassed by the Broncos — but the coach insists there’s plenty to offer from his side.

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 01: Coach Tim Sheens of the Tigers looks frustrated as he is seen on the sidelines calling out instructions during the round five NRL match between Brisbane Broncos and Wests Tigers at Suncorp Stadium on April 01, 2023 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

Tim Sheens insists he won’t walk out on the Wests Tigers after they slumped to a new low in a 46-12 embarrassment to the Broncos in Brisbane on Saturday night.

Sheens’ fairytale return to the Tigers’ coaches’ box has turned into a nightmare, with Wests the only team in the NRL winless after five rounds and facing back-to-back wooden spoons.

The 34-point capitulation to Brisbane could have been mistaken for an April Fool’s joke, such was the ineptitude of the terrible Tigers.

The Tigers had been competitive in the opening four weeks of the season, but this eight-try drubbing was an utter debacle.

They haven’t played finals since 2011 and can start booking a September holiday now after conceding five first half tries to trail 28-0 at the break.

The Tigers face last year’s beaten grand finalists Parramatta at Accor Stadium on Monday week and need an Easter miracle to snap this drought.

“I’ll never give up on this group, there’s plenty to offer,” Sheens said.

Tigers coach Tim Sheens looks frustrated as he watched on from the sideline at Suncorp Stadium. Picture: Getty Images

“I’m prepared to cop as much as you give me but I’ll still be turning up. I have (got faith). They are a quality group of guys and have got talent.

“We have to wear a lot of this and work a lot harder as staff and players. Many coaches have had eight or nine losses in a row. These things can happen.

“The more you get beat, the tougher it is to dig yourselves out of it. We will find a way to do it.”

TIGER TIM IN TROUBLE

Sheens, 72, has had a decorated coaching career, winning four premierships including the Tigers’ breakthrough 2005 NRL title.

But his return to the hot-seat at Wests following the questionable sacking of Michael Maguire is quickly becoming a disaster.

Sheens only stepped into the role after the Tigers failed to land Cameron Ciraldo and he is supposed to groom Benji Marshall over the next two seasons.

But serious questions need to be asked about whether this is the right route for the Tigers to take as Sheens’ legacy faces being hurt.

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Wests Tigers players show their frustration after a Broncos try.

While they had lost their opening four matches heading into this contest, the Tigers’ worst defeat was by 12 points and two were by less than a converted try.

This was a totally different performance. The Tigers were never in the hunt and look like they are getting worse.

“They were too good for us,” Sheens said.

“The first half got away from us and then the game was over in real terms. We came out in the second half and had a go, played some footy.

“We’ve played five games. In four we’ve competed well. Tonight was the first one we were never a chance to win.

“We went out to win the second half, that’s all you can do. The effort was there. We could have put the cue in the rack but we didn’t.

“We’ve got some work to do, it’s as simple as that.”

TERRIBLE TIGERS

It took just 10 minutes for Broncos backrower Jordan Riki to score his first and by the 35th minute the Tigers were trailing 28-0 after conceding five tries.

The Broncos romped up the field with ease, notching 878m in the first half compared to Wests’ 498m.

The Tigers’ defence cracked with ease nearly every time the Broncos got within striking distance and when they had the ball, they rarely threatened Brisbane’s line.

“There is just no resilience in the Tigers’ defence,” Fox League’s Cooper Cronk said.

If not for a couple of soft tries to Isaiah Papali’i and Jake Simpkin, the Tigers may not have got on the scoreboard.

Sheens and his Tigers are in big trouble.

‘I’M NOT DEAD YET’: SHEENS HITS BACK AT TIGERS CRITICS

By Peter Badel

Tim Sheens has hit back at claims the Wests Tigers are a basket case, declaring “I’m not dead yet” ahead of his side’s clash with the Broncos.

Ahead of the Broncos match Sheens, 72, dismissed claims Wests Tigers are a rabble, backing his five-year strategic plan with coach-in-waiting Benji Marshall.

“I’m not dead yet as a coach,” said Sheens as he prepares to face Walters, 11 years after last coaching the Tigers.

“There will be good times ahead for this club.

“There are a number of teams only one win ahead of us. Our five-year plan is a good plan, it’s two years for me and three years for Benji and we’re recruiting accordingly and preparing accordingly.

“Benji will have fresh air to run with in two years’ time.

“In our opening four games, we’ve been beaten twice by 12 and twice by six or less. The competition is very close this year and I don’t believe we are playing that badly. Sure, it would be nice to have a win, but there’s quite a few teams with one or two wins.

“It’s not one of those comps where people have broken away. The Broncos are the only unbeaten team. It’s early days.

Tim Sheens has a strong message for Wests Tigers critics.

“I have been around long enough to know I have started well and finished poorly and then done the exact opposite. I’m not worried about where we will be or what we are doing. We are worried about this week.

“While we are competing and in every game, we haven’t been 40 behind, that’s the important thing. You have to have effort and the boys are putting the effort in, so I’m confident we will get the execution right.

“When players show you they are putting in effort for the team and the club and themselves, you will get the results.

“We’ll know where this club is going in six months’ time.

“It’s a great game to be involved in and if you have one of the limited number of NRL jobs for a first-grade coach, you are very lucky. I don’t take it lightly.

“Critics were calling for Kevin Walters’ head last year, so right now we’re coming up to Brisbane to play a team leading the comp.

“You guys and social media comment about the club and everyone has their claim to fame, but I’m not worried about all that.”

Justin Olam celebrates a try as Api Koroisau laments.

Originally published as NRL 2023: Tim Sheens facing crisis as Wests Tigers slump to new low