Tigers wary of Knights' many threats
Steve Jancetic
April 23, 2009 - 7:04PM
Wests Tigers coach Tim Sheens believes his side could face a tougher defensive assignment against Newcastle this weekend than the one dished up by Melbourne on Monday night.
The Tigers produced their best tackling performance of the season in limiting the Storm to just one try at Leichhardt Oval, but Sheens claims the Knights' multi-pronged attack could be tougher to hold out at Campbelltown Stadium on Sunday.
The Knights have showcased an expansive style over the opening six rounds of the competition, with halfback Jarrod Mullen's return to fitness and form complemented by the work of five-eighth Ben Rogers and underrated hooker Isaac De Gois.
Then there's Test utility Kurt Gidley, who has shown an uncanny ability to switch between fullback, hooker, halfback and five-eighth throughout matches.
"We're on alert all across the field this week," Sheens said at Tigers training on Thursday.
"Some sides are easier to follow because they have key indicators - Melbourne being one with (fullback Billy) Slater.
"Gidley pops up at first receiver and as a runner all over the field, they've got good ball-players on both sides of the field and strong-running forwards and big centres.
"They're a well balanced side, that's why they're doing so well.
"We'll have to be on our game trying to read the point of attack."
While recovery had been a focus for the Tigers this week as they try to kick the Monday night hoodoo, Sheens said his side couldn't afford to be content with what they did against the Storm.
After Sunday's meeting with the Knights, the Tigers take on the in-form Bulldogs at ANZ Stadium in what shapes as an important fortnight before their round nine bye.
"A one-off game doesn't make a winter, we've got some work to do still," Sheens said.
"We're not kidding ourselves, we've had too many points put past us. A one-off is a one-off, we need to do that more consistently."
Sheens confirmed backrower Chris Heighington - who was surprisingly overlooked by NSW selectors when they named their preliminary 40-man squad on Tuesday - would not play against the Knights due to an ankle injury.
Backrower Daine Laurie was named on an extended bench as cover for Heighington, though Sheens said he would wait until game day to reveal his final squad.
"I'll probably keep that pretty close to my chest at this stage," he said.
"Daine's in the 18 but I don't think he'll start."
