Wests Tigers Head Coach Ivan Cleary gave the final word today ahead of his side's Round 16 clash against the Gold Coast Titans tomorrow night at Campbelltown.
Speaking after last week's spirited performance against the Cronulla Sharks, Cleary was adamant his side were getting close to a much-needed victory following a run of tough defeats.
“Preparations have been very good this week," Cleary said.
"Last week was really disappointing for us. We put ourselves in a really good position to win the game, but I think we’ve just forgotten how to win at the moment.
"It’s certainly a lesson well learned so we’re looking forward to putting that into use.
“The good news is we put ourselves in that position," he said.
"Second halves have been a bit of an issue this year and I thought last week was really strong. We were in a grinding game against a very good team and we more than held our own.
"Up until the last section of that game we won that contest so that's a real positive for me and a lot of these young boys in understanding what a NRL contest really looks like.
"Hopefully we can take that into tomorrow nights game against the Titans.
"Hopefully we get a lot of fans to come out and support the boys cause they’re really competing hard. I don't think we’re too far away from picking up the victory.”
The two newest additions to Wests Tigers this year, Matt Eisenhuth and Esan Marsters, have caught the eye of many and Cleary has been impressed by their performances in recent weeks.
“Both those boys are doing really well," he enthused.
"It’s always good to see young guys get opportunities especially when they've earned them and they've both showed in their early exchanges that they’re certainly not out of place in this grade.”
With five players across both teams hopeful of backing up from Wednesday's State of Origin match, Cleary said both James Tedesco and Aaron Woods would be monitored throughout the day in the lead-up to kickoff, having been named to start against the Titans.
“It's really difficult for those guys it was a pretty hectic game last night, but thats what Origin’s about," he said.
"It’s more about the other guys in both teams to put that extra bit in so the Origin guys can step back in smoothly and do the best they can.”
“I thought they were both very good.
"I thought New South Wales were well in control the first half and the beginning of the second half, and I guess it was a bit like our game last week in that they just couldn't seal the deal. Queensland have been doing that for 30 years, but I guess the good thing is that everyone looks forward to Game 3.”
See what Cleary had to say in full about this week's game in the video above!
Be there at Campbelltown Stadium when we take on the Titans for Friday Night Football!
