You’ve got to feel for the Wests Tigers.
But you’ve also got to look on the bright side of life: it’s obvious they’re putting in every week but just can’t seem to be able to get across the line and win games.
Against the Eels at ANZ Stadium yesterday afternoon, their 17-16 loss must have almost broken their hearts and that of their coach, Ivan Cleary.
Wests Tigers should have been leading 18-16 going into the last couple of minutes but for a poor conversion attempt by their young five eighth Tui Lolohea, who pushed the ball wide of the upright.
And despite some silly errors, Cleary’s team had done enough to deserve victory – but it wasn’t to be.
At least fans can see that Cleary is building something at the Tigers that could be really special when big signings Josh Reynolds, Russell Packer and Ben Matulino bring a wealth of experience in 2018.
But it’s so important that the current squad go into the preseason with a measure of confidence that can only be drawn from the well of victory.
The coach agreed at the post match media conference.
When asked about how the team is looking for next year, Cleary emphasised the focus remained on 2017.
“I’m pretty happy with how the guys are coming together and performing,’’he said.
“We have a lot of young players and that takes time.
“But as long as you’re learning, that’s a good thing.
“It’s just the little things hurting us; we drop our guard for a minute and concentration.
[social_quote duplicate=”no” align=”default”]”We have a lot of young players and they’re still learning that as well. It’s a good thing that we’re learning, but it’ll be nice to pick up a few wins just to give everyone a bit of happiness.[/social_quote]
“I’ve been pretty happy the past four or five weeks,’’ Cleary said.
“We took top four teams Manly and Cronulla down the wire both away from home and took care of a game we had to win up in Newcastle.
“We’re close, but not quite there overall. But as we’re learning each time, I’m sure we’ll start getting more results.”
With six games left in the season, the Tigers face the Titans next Sunday up on the Gold Coast and then it’s off to Penrith a week later.
They host Manly on Sunday, August 23 at Leichhardt Oval, then battle the Roosters at Allianz.
In the penultimate match of the season the Tigers host the Cowboys at Campbelltown on Friday, August 25 before returning to Leichhardt Oval in round 26 against the NZ Warriors on Sunday, September 3.
