Who would have thought just a few weeks ago that the Wests Tigers would defeat the North Queensland Cowboys 66-18.
The truth is that it was unthinkable, considering Wests Tigers lost the first seven games of the season, although some were by a small margin.
What unfolded on Saturday night at Leichhardt Oval would have surprised even head coach Tim Sheens.
He may have maintained his composure during those first horrible seven rounds, but even “Sheensy’’ would not have predicted that his team would score the most points ever in a game by the Wests Tigers.
Saturday night also saw the most tries ever (11) and goals, also 11.
It was the fourth highest winning margin in the club’s 24 year history.
Every week in season 2023 the coach has been talking up how well his team played, even if they lost.
Victories against Penrith and St George were followed by a disappointing result when they failed to score a point against Souths, going down 20-0.
There were no signs at all there against the Bunnies that Wests Tigers were about to break loose and score more than 60 points.
The big win on Saturday lifted the team off the bottom of the ladder, but more importantly it gave them another tremendous confidence boost.
Against Souths they looked so ordinary in attack, but in just one week they turned it on its head.
This round the Wests Tigers have a State of Origin bye.
They will return to action the following week in a Friday night blockbuster against Canberra Raiders at Campbelltown Sports Stadium.
Given decent weather, and by that we mean dry, a decent crowd should be in the house to help Wests Tigers win.
That would be their fourth this season, something that was unthinkable not that long ago.
Indeed, some people were bravely predicting they may not win games this season.
Now, if they can put a good month of football together, another unthinkable scenario will unfold: Wests Tigers will be banging down the door to the top eight.
