Not a Tigers Fan, but from what i saw a couple weeks ago against my Dragons i thought that was just a poor-off night from your guys, but now alram bells should be ringing? And to think u could be bottom on zero points if it was not for that suss Sharks victory? I also noticed how much smaller a pack the Tigers where as they warmed up under the posts. I can't believe 40 missed tackles, while defence has never been a strong point, Tigers at least had attack and would clock-up big scores...what's happened to that....and finally that Blair!!!!!!!
Damn fair observation.
A season ago many were calling for Teflon to go- he got re-signed despite the obvious and glaring problems that have remained in the WT sides coached by him for years on end.
WT have lacked a strong powerful forward pack- we scare no-one. Sheens has always believed in a small mobile pack being able to outlast the stronger ones and then exploit. Well, that worked in 2005 but the game has moved and and all other sides have sussed us out.
WT have lacked a specialised halfback for years. Our leadership and direction spine on the field was reduced from a correct, but only theoretical in Sheens mind, of 1,6,7 & 9 to 6 & 9. Fullback and halfback specialists were on the outer with him. Basically at WT the mantra is 'lets throw it to Benji and hope'.
WT have had the slowest backline for years on end. Our wingers rarely exploit a break and our centres dont often get a chance to make a break. They seem suffocated there.
WT rely of Farah to be a counterpoint in attack to take pressure off Benji but Farah has not been at his best for over 2 seasons now. Niggeling little injuries have nobbled his creativity and strength. Can he get it back? Who knows. WT have no replacement for him either.
Sheens continually picks favouites and his team selection policy leaves everyone scratching their heads. Good fringe players leave- eg Mitch Brown because they cant get a shot, yet others who fail or are substandard rarely get dropped to reserves. Go figure.
Yet Humphreys and the WT board happily re-sign Sheens, with such a marvelous track record described above, without even testing the market for who else might be out there. Sheens may have been the best but we will never know.
All I can say is that they certainly test my love of the club and respect for the players.
