Coach Jason Taylor’s unerring leadership through Wests Tigers’ Robbie Farah dramas has the NRL club on course for an unlikely final appearance, according to superstar fullback James Tedesco.
Taylor created the mother of all rugby league storms three weeks ago when he dumped club legend Robbie Farah to reserve grade.
Since then the Tigers have won three straight, including Sunday’s impressive 26-14 win over premiers North Queensland at Leichhardt Oval.
“It is a big credit to JT how he has handled it all and how we have handled it all and stayed together as a team,” Tedesco said.
“He has kept us all together and kept us calm and not let the media get to us.
“We know there was a lot of drama but we haven’t let it get to us. It shows on the field we haven’t let it get to us.
“We are getting good results and just playing together as a team.
“Whatever team strategy JT comes up with for any game we are all confident in that. We all buy into that and it shows.”
The Tigers sit in eighth spot four rounds out from the NRL finals.
They face a crucial clash with Jarryd Hayne’s ninth-placed Gold Coast at Campbelltown on Saturday.
“To beat the Cowboys will give us a massive boost heading into the end of the season,” Tedesco said.
“I don’t think I have won three in a row here before at the Tigers.
“Everyone is just excited to play with each other, there is a good mood and a good vibe around the place.
“Of course having Jarryd Hayne against us is going to create a lot of tension and a lot of excitement for the fans to watch that game.
“We are all looking forward to that.”
steveng
Roar Rookie
That might be right but now Robbie has even more to prove (Taylor wrong) and he will go all out with whatever club he joins to do that. As far as I'm concerned (being a diehard South fan) I hope Robbie joins us because we need (whatever Taylor didn't need from Robbie) his organisation and playing skills that is so lacking at Souths for the last 2 years. And all I can say is 'welcome to the Rabbitohs Robbie'.
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
But Taylor has never said Farah is not a great player. He's said he doesn't fill the role they need from the hooker in their team. What many of those bemoaning about Farah's treatment fail to acknowledge that those who made the decisions regarding Farah will just so quickly be discarded should they fail to perform, with no regard or credit given for any concessions made to players like Farah due to their stature at the club.
steveng
Roar Rookie
Never mind, we will welcome Robbie with open arms at Souths and then and only then Robbie will prove what a great player he still is and will put Taylor to shame for his treatment he gave to Robbie.
pete bloor
Guest
Is there a Merton Tedesco? Because the only Tedesco I know of at the tigers wouldn't have to suck up to the coach to get a gig
Joel
Roar Rookie
"Tedesco wants to keep his position so suck up to the coach" I'm confused. Tedesco is hands down the best fullback in the competition, there is no club in the land that wouldn't want a shot at signing him, but he has to suck up to the coach? Sour grapes. the Robbie fan club need to get a grip. The Tigers defense is as good as it has been for a pretty long time, that has only happened since he hasn't been there. Moses was in complete control of the team.. something that never happened when Robbie was there. There is nothing that has happened since Robbie was dropped that suggests it was the wrong decision... nothing at all. Lots of people complaining about the way it was handled, but that's Robbie's fault for crying foul to the media about it.
Alex L
Roar Rookie
Could always bring Cherrington in, even if he's apparently in the bad books.
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
Tedesco was in high demand off contract and has made his Origin debut this year. I highly doubt he needs to suck up to any NRL coach to get a game. It must be killing you to see the Tigers winning with Taylor in charge and no Farah.
Jacko
Guest
They didnt TWAS. Here we are 11 mths after it started and this is the first player to say a positive thing about it and Tedesco wants to keep his position so suck up to the coach. Hope his coach doesnt leave him hanging on 247 games but then again he has to get there first and you have to be good to do that.
andrew
Guest
If Dene Halatau goes down (and he has had his share of injuries), he has to either put Rankin at no9 or bring Robbie Farah back. Personally, I haven't seen that much, if any improvement in their attack. They scrapped a couple of ugly wins and then beat a Cowboys team well off their game with a half back 50% fit. Again, their structured attack didn't look that great yesterday. Halatau was serviceable but offers no threat to the opposition.
Sleiman Azizi
Roar Guru
I agree.
John
Guest
Lol, that gave me a chuckle too, he hasn't even been there a week and the team is already his.
Christov
Guest
Lol, Jaryd Hayne's Titans
Oingo Boingo
Guest
A coach has to be able to name the team he wants to play , that's the be all and end of of this convoluted soap opera.
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
I remember the anti-Taylor brigade saying no players had come out in support of him...
Greg
Guest
The Tigers form confirms that Farrah has played his last first grade game for them.