After the Knights game loss, Tim Sheens was asked about positives to take into 2008, he mumbled something about Ben T'eo playing well and Tuiaki being impressive, but seemed a bit lost for words. Not a good sign.
We finished 9th in 2007 and only missed the finals on for and against so this year wasn't a disaster. But I just don't see us being better than 9th based on this year.
The Tigers will continue to get dominated by big forward packs, have trouble getting a roll on with go forward over the advantage line. If Benji stays on the wing in defense he will get bombed continually.
Saying this there is a lot of talent in the team. And I can understand the Tigers not going out and signing players just because they are all that's left on the player market. Building a war chest or making salary cap room to sign a marquee player when he become available is a fine strategy.
But I think they need to change their style of play. It seems defense is our main issue so I think adopting a style of play that starves the other team of possession at all costs, so more attempted 40/20's, short kicks offs/line drop outs to try to regain possession, more attempted one on one strips if a small bloke has the ball. It may be high risk, but they cant just do exactly the same as this year and pray for a better result.
