Last season’s NTFL finalists Waratah searching for a winning formula after five losses

WARATAH’S winless start to the NTFL season is more about consistency than lack of effort, coach Ryan Ayres has said

Timmy Mosquito looks for a teammate in the Men's Premier League game against Nightcliff. Picture: GLENN CAMPBELL

WARATAH’S winless start to the NTFL season is more about consistency than lack of effort, their coach Ryan Ayres said last night.

Losses to three of last season’s finalists and St Mary’s and Wanderers have them second last on the ladder.

The Round 3 loss to the Darwin Buffaloes occurred in the boardroom after they beat the Buffaloes on the field but were penalised for a teamsheet error.

“The efforts of the boys have been unreal, we’re just not getting the results we want,’’ Ayres said.

“We made a couple of poor decisions in the second half against Nightcliff and were made to pay as soon as we made an error.’’

One positive was locals Michael Graham and Dom Booth, who provided the hardness around the contest the side has been lacking.

“We’ve been competitive in four of our matches, including Southern Districts and Nightcliff who I rate as the benchmark,’’ Ayres added.

Tahs will have to beat a Tiwi side with Cyril Rioli on board this week.

“I don’t think anyone knows what is happening with Cyril, apart from Rioli himself and the Tiwi boys,’’ Ayres said.

“We’ll prepare for him, but with Rocco (Ross Tungatalum) and Dion Munkara expected back, we’ll already have our hands full.’’