No more excuses. That’s the mantra ex-NSW prop Tim Grant believes the Wests Tigers must adopt, saying his besieged NRL club can no longer claim they are distracted by contract dramas.
The Tigers’ nightmare season somehow got worse as the joint venture was thumped 36-0 by Brisbane at a wet Suncorp Stadium on Friday night.
They lost halfback Luke Brooks (hamstring) before kickoff, ensuring they had a new-look halves pairing following the sudden release of star pivot Mitchell Moses to Parramatta.
Not much else went right as the second-last Tigers slumped to a six tries to nil loss.
Tigers coach Ivan Cleary admitted months of contract speculation about their star players was finally taking its toll on the field.
But Tigers prop Grant claimed all the contract dramas were over following Moses’ Eels defection and would no longer be used as the reason for a poor performance.
“What impacts performance is uncertainty and most of that has been put to bed now,” Grant said.
“Everyone knows where everyone is going, so to keep going on about that is an excuse.
“In my eyes that is probably over now. Hopefully that gives fans some peace of mind too.”
Grant said the new mantra would work if they stuck together.
“Training is the best place to be because we are all together,” he said.
“It’s when you go home and people ask you what is happening that’s when the pressure is on and the mind starts wandering.”
Cleary hoped the heavy loss to Brisbane marked their low point and they could now start rebuilding and is looking forward to next week’s bye.
“Our club has had a lot of turmoil, a lot of speculation, a lot of scrutiny,” Cleary said.
“It is coming out in our performance.
“Change is coming but at the moment it is just trying to manage how we get through it.
“We are in a bit of a hole at the moment. It’s probably a good time to get a week off.”
Grant said their comeback plan was simply train well as a group and he expects Brooks to be back soon.
“If it was a Sunday game he would have been right, but you don’t take a risk with your main playmaker,” Grant said.
Alex L
Roar Rookie
The short answer is that in the areas he can actually control having come in mid season, the Tigers are looking fairly good -- problem is there's things he has no control over; the Tigers aren't anywhere near fit enough to challenge the top sides and he can't fix that mid season.
Gray-Hand
Guest
Are the Tigers looking any better under Cleary than they were under Jason Taylor? That's a genuine question. I'm not having a jab at Cleary, I didn't see their first 3 games.
Sean
Guest
Wow. Another player coming out and speaking about what should be done instead of actually doing it. Actions are louder than words Tim. There were about 10 reserve grade quality players playing for tigers last night. Sooner they leave the better.
The eye
Guest
One of the loudest whispers regarding the termination of Cleary at Penrith was him forcing injured players to play when they werent ready..deja Voods ..this years spoon is dedicated to the Tigers' front office..
Albo
Guest
Indeed Oingo ! What a mess Cleary has to deal with for the rest of the season ( and probably beyond as well). He is left with a reserve grade squad plus Teddy and Woods, both of whom are suffering already. Woods should not have been on the field last night, but obviously thought he needed the appearance to press for the SOO selection, and Tedesco's form is being impacted in recent games , despite getting over the line 3 times last night for no result. Somehow Cleary needs to keep this squad motivated to put in some creditable performances with the promise that the cavalry is on its way next season ! Common on guys ! Please all believe that the Reynolds , Packer and BIg Ben will transform this joint ! In the meantime the hopeless Board remains, but you just have pride in the jersey !
Oingo Boingo
Guest
Poor old Ivan ,,,, lumbered with the task of restoring a rusty old Holden with only , a stick welder , a claw hammer and a set of screwdrivers bought at a garage sale . I can see the add in the Tele in a year or two . FOR SALE UNFINISHED PROJECT. Has potential, comes complete with all parts , some may need to be replaced . Would suit someone with plenty of patience and a hide like a bull elephant. All offers considered. PH ,,, Justin or Marina