Amazing: Chris Lawrence shows acrobatic skills to pull out a try. Picture: Steve Christo
‘‘The Tigers are dangerous, and probably more dangerous when they’re behind than when they’re in front,’’ Roosters coach Brian Smith told the media after his team’s win over Wests on Sunday.
The comeback from the Tigers in the loss to the Roosters was mesmerising to watch as they threw the ball around like kids do in the backyard.
It’s true, they are more dangerous when they are behind.
When the Tigers have nothing to lose, they look like winning.
When they are scared to throw the ball around and try to grind out their wins, they usually lose.
The forwards are skilful workers, not massive metre-eaters.
The Roosters forwards were all over the Tigers, especially in the first half as they monstered through the line and made half-breaks almost every set of six.
But then, when Wests got too far behind to be controlled, they threw the ball around, offloaded, got to the edges of the Roosters defence and, all of a sudden, the unusually quiet Leichhardt Oval turned into a fortress once again.
I would love to see coach Tim Sheens tell the boys to be in the mindset of being behind by 20 — from the start of the game.
Imagine the highlights!
Every one counts
So, the Tigers sit at seventh on the ladder after 15 rounds.
Not a bad position to be in coming up to the pointy end of the season — especially after the five losses in a row.
A win this week against Newcastle, followed by the bye will see us in good shape.
But we will need to be with the draw the Tigers have. It’s tough.
We face the Bulldogs twice, Cowboys, Rabbitohs, Dragons, Roosters again and the Storm.
Every win and loss is vital.
Letting a game slip against Newcastle, Penrith or Parramatta could be the difference between top four or missing out on the top eight.
Check team online
To see who coach Tim Sheens names in his round 16 team, visit macarthuradvertiser.com.au.