'Scary' fightback almost plucks chooks

WHEN the Wests Tigers play expansive, catch-up football, they are among the most exciting teams in the country to watch. Not for their opponents though.

Tim Moltzen

WHEN the Wests Tigers play expansive, catch-up football, they are among the most exciting teams in the country to watch. But when you're at the other end of the field, like the Roosters were yesterday, it's just plain worrying.

"It was scary at the end," said Roosters captain Braith Anasta. "When the Tigers get a roll on, you know about it."

The Roosters led 30-4 in the 51st minute - an advantage that looked anything but comfortable after a remarkable six-minute burst late in the game.

The Tigers scored three tries in six minutes, inciting the rabid Leichhardt Oval crowd to thoughts of a quite remarkable comeback on such an emotional day for the club. Beau Ryan in the 65th minute, Tom Moltzen in the 68th minute and Chris Lawrence three minutes later.

Lawrence's try was startling, the ball shifting from one side of the field to the other. It will be a contender for try of the year.

The Tigers faithful who'd upped stumps with 25 minutes to go missed one hell of a finish.

"We invited them back into the game," said Roosters coach Brian Smith. "The Tigers are more dangerous when behind than in front. The boys did really well to regain their composure and win the match. Our goal is to make the eight like every other team so we needed to get on our bikes.

"I didn't think we were going to lose but I was concerned it (the comeback) wasn't going to reflect how the game had gone."

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