Wests Tigers NYC Coach Todd Payten has described his side's loss to Cronulla as 'the most disappointing and softest effort' produced this year.
Payten said the loss to the Sharks which lifted them off the bottom of the ladder came after his team were able to capitalise on a couple of good wins against quality opposition.
Todd's Blog
We were completely out enthused and out played by a desperate Cronulla outfit last Friday night. Right from the outset we were off the pace, with them being able to march downfield with ease. The lack of intent defensively was alarming with their big men finding elbows and knees too easily and their hooker Micheal Lischaa tearing us to shreds at times.
They ran in four unanswered tries in the first 20 minutes. We managed to cross twice before half time to halt their momentum and went into the break a flattering 18-12 down.
At half time I spoke about how they were winning the contest by simply running and tackling harder than us. We knew that if we were willing to get in the arm wrestle of the game that there were points on offer with the ease that we were able to score in 2 of the 4 times we were down there end.
I also spoke to a couple of individuals that were poor and told them that they needed to lift in certain areas.
We came out and started alright. There wasnt a huge jump in effort or intensity but we were able to score first. That was as close as things got.
Cronulla were able to go on with it. We never gave up but just played dumb football. At times we looked directionless. I thought our halves didnt take control of the team and led us around as they are supposed to.
Our right edge was also a rabble defensively. Players doing different things out on the edge is a recipe for disaster. Partly due to the pace that the Sharks were able to play the ball but there was a lack of communication being the biggest issue.
Best for us and there werent a great deal who put their hand up were Nathan Milone, Kurtis Rowe, Andy Fiagatusa and Fosio Tatola. There a few more that tried hard but off the pace of their usual efforts.
Nathan took the coaches award. He continually put his hand up in our end for work. Looked threatening on long shifts and showed aggression in attack. Kurtis was back in a more comfortable position for him being fullback. He was safe and threatening at times with the ball. Andy and Fosio stood up in the middle. They played long minutes in the middle of the park playing 60 straight. Both were aggressive defensively and ran the ball with intent.
We have the bye this week and it has come at a good time with quite a few boys still missing through injury or suspension. It will give everyone a chance to freshen up with the last 8 weeks of the season remaining before finals.
I've mentioned a few times that games will pick up in intensity and sides will be looking to gain some momentum for the finals. We will be no different to any other side. Our boys will have a 4 day block off and will return to training Monday ready to face the Warriors.
Payten said the loss to the Sharks which lifted them off the bottom of the ladder came after his team were able to capitalise on a couple of good wins against quality opposition.
Todd's Blog
We were completely out enthused and out played by a desperate Cronulla outfit last Friday night. Right from the outset we were off the pace, with them being able to march downfield with ease. The lack of intent defensively was alarming with their big men finding elbows and knees too easily and their hooker Micheal Lischaa tearing us to shreds at times.
They ran in four unanswered tries in the first 20 minutes. We managed to cross twice before half time to halt their momentum and went into the break a flattering 18-12 down.
At half time I spoke about how they were winning the contest by simply running and tackling harder than us. We knew that if we were willing to get in the arm wrestle of the game that there were points on offer with the ease that we were able to score in 2 of the 4 times we were down there end.
I also spoke to a couple of individuals that were poor and told them that they needed to lift in certain areas.
We came out and started alright. There wasnt a huge jump in effort or intensity but we were able to score first. That was as close as things got.
Cronulla were able to go on with it. We never gave up but just played dumb football. At times we looked directionless. I thought our halves didnt take control of the team and led us around as they are supposed to.
Our right edge was also a rabble defensively. Players doing different things out on the edge is a recipe for disaster. Partly due to the pace that the Sharks were able to play the ball but there was a lack of communication being the biggest issue.
Best for us and there werent a great deal who put their hand up were Nathan Milone, Kurtis Rowe, Andy Fiagatusa and Fosio Tatola. There a few more that tried hard but off the pace of their usual efforts.
Nathan took the coaches award. He continually put his hand up in our end for work. Looked threatening on long shifts and showed aggression in attack. Kurtis was back in a more comfortable position for him being fullback. He was safe and threatening at times with the ball. Andy and Fosio stood up in the middle. They played long minutes in the middle of the park playing 60 straight. Both were aggressive defensively and ran the ball with intent.
We have the bye this week and it has come at a good time with quite a few boys still missing through injury or suspension. It will give everyone a chance to freshen up with the last 8 weeks of the season remaining before finals.
I've mentioned a few times that games will pick up in intensity and sides will be looking to gain some momentum for the finals. We will be no different to any other side. Our boys will have a 4 day block off and will return to training Monday ready to face the Warriors.
