Wests Tigers Head Coach Benji Marshall says the team has taken plenty of self-belief from the win over the Sydney Roosters as they look to play the role of disruptors in the run to the finals.
The Tigers head to Townsville on Friday to tackle the Nth Qld Cowboys following the ‘upset win of the season’ that ended an eight-game losing run, with victory giving the club an entire lift this week.
Marshall said the team must use that energy against a desperate Cowboys outfit before tackling heavyweights, Penrith, in their final match of the season.
“Belief comes from doing and being able to see things you planned go into action,’’ Marshall said.
“It’s a credit to the players who bought it to everything we asked for last week. (They) played with an aggressive style with intent in our defence, and that contributed to it.
“I've learned a lot of things as a coach, but unless you have the buy in from the players into what you're trying to do, it's hard to get to where you want to go.
"We’ve got to come out with an attitude where we get the opportunity to just try and disrupt a few teams at the back end of the season, as well as (playing for) personal pride.
“When you wear the Tigers jersey, every time you want to play with passion and leave the jersey in a better place.”
Marshall said one of his ‘favourite parts’ of the win over the Roosters was seeing half-back Jock Madden return from injury to kick the winning field goal in the 25-24 victory at Allianz Stadium.
“I think as a halfback or a player, you want to have those moments where you get the big clutch,’’ Marshall added.
“When we signed Jock, I was very aware of what he was capable of in terms of game management, control, kicking, field goals, and understanding the way we wanted to play.
“I thought he showed on the weekend that he is a true first grade player. And if you look at all our wins this year, he’s been heavily involved in those.
“It's a credit to him because he's had a bit of a tough road and hasn't had a lot of consistent first grade, so for him as a moment, I reckon he can draw on that for the future and understand that he belongs.”
Marshall said a victory over the Cowboys would be a fine reward to celebrate prop Fonua Pole’s 100th game in the NRL.
“What Fonua has been able to achieve at this club in terms of his performance and what he's given to us sacrifice wise, we want to repay that,’’ Marshall said.
“When you play 100 games, you belong as a first grader, and you can sort of say that you start to play your best footy, so we're looking forward to seeing him come out and play his best.”
