It is a bit of a worry for Wests Tigers fans that after a rather disappointing loss to Melbourne last weekend, the only change coach Michael Maguire has made for round two was naming James Tamou to the run-on side.
If Tamou is the answer, well I am not really sure what the question might be.
Having been made captain last year after joining the joint venture from Penrith, Tamou left a lot to be desired in a key position of the engine room – the forwards.
The captaincy decision was baffling enough, but being selected week after week after some ordinary performances made it obvious there was no depth at Wests Tigers.
Now that he’s been rushed back into the starting XIII fans may be thinking that nothing’s changed at Concord.
It’s questionable selections like these that opened the door to Maguire critics, especially last season.
Still, let’s hope that Tamou proves everyone wrong by turning into a tackling machine in 2022.
The Wests Tigers could certainly do with someone of his stature leading by example in this area of the game.
Tamou returns to the side for the first time in 2022 after missing the season opener against Melbourne due to a one-match suspension.
Jackson Hastings and Luke Brooks will again combine in the halves for Sunday’s match with Newcastle at McDonald Jones Stadium, while Jake Simpkin will start at hooker.
The Knights, who defeated competition favourites Sydney Roosters at the SCG in round one, will be a hard nut to crack in Newcastle in front of a big home crowd.
Wests Tigers did show some promise, especially in the first half, against Melbourne Storm last Saturday night at Parramatta.
Sorry to be a broken record, but yes, a Wests Tigers home game at Parramatta: it just sounds so wrong on so many levels.
But back to the footy, and after leading in the first half, the Tigers capitulated to go down 26-16.
Afterwards the coach said the team needed to play for the full 80 minutes – I think we’ve heard that before from him.
They lose this Sunday and the knives could start to be sharpened at Concord. Especially with Tim Sheens looming large in the background.
WESTS TIGERS
1. Daine Laurie
2. David Nofoaluma
3. James Roberts
4. Oliver Gildart
5. Ken Maumalo
6. Jackson Hastings
7. Luke Brooks
8. James Tamou
9. Jake Simpkin
10. Stefano Utoikamanu
11. Kelma Tuilagi
12. Luciano Leilua
13. Joe Ofahengaue
INTERCHANGE
14. Tyrone Peachey
15. Alex Twal
16. Zane Musgrove
17. Alex Seyfarth
18. Thomas Mikaele
The Tigers are an absolute embarrassment in their loss to the Knights who did not have not have key players in their line up. Frightening statistics – 17 errors, 37 missed tackles, 19 ineffective tackles and a general lethargy in their play. Something has to change, and quickly!
Andy