Tim Sheens says the focus will be on effort when the Wests Tigers line up against Melbourne Storm tomorrow night at Campbelltown Stadium.
Speaking to the media this morning after a training run at the venue, Sheens said this would be the way to overcome the absence of so many key players, especially in the spine.
Api Koroisau and Luke Brooks are out injured, while rising prop forward Stefano Utoikamanu is on Origin duty for NSW.
“Effort is what we ask, and although it wasn’t a great game last week, we did have some good numbers on limited missed tackles,’’ Sheens said.
“Our dropped ball stats were disappointing, it was the worst thing for us last week with 14 errors, mostly in the backs.
“They’ve been our strength, our back five, and they had a bad day. I don’t see them having two bad days in a row,’’ he said.
“It’s going to be a game of effort – when you are lacking in the spine, as in Api and Brooks, and losing Adam Doueihi earlier in the year, we’re next man mentality.
“But now we’re third man next mentality,’’ Sheens said.
Sheens was asked about Campbelltown junior Tallyn Da Silva who will be making his debut at the age of 18 in front of family and friends and in a junior league appreciation round match.
“His selection wasn’t deliberate for that, but it’s nice to get him in for our last game at Campbelltown for this year,’’ said the coach.
“His family will fill the hill from what I am hearing; he’s a popular kid down here (in Campbelltown).
“He’s in the 17, he will get some limited minutes, but it’s handy against a big pack like Melbourne because you know they’re going to work your nines over, so it’s good to know there’s two nines in the team.
“Tallyn’s got leg speed, he’s a competitor and a football player, which is some combination.’’
Sheens revealed Wests Tigers will go into the game with a simplified attacking game to allow for the changes in the 17.
“It’s going to be lots of effort if we’re to stay in this game and win it,’’ he said.
