You’ve got to give credit to Wests Tigers besieged coach Michael Maguire for his consistent selection policy.
Win, lose or draw, and apart from injuries and suspensions, he has selected the same side for the first four rounds of the competition.
And even though his side has lost four from four, Maguire yesterday named the same side for the round five away match against the Sharks this Sunday.
It looks increasingly obvious that Maguire has chosen his best 17, and no matter what, he is sticking to them.
There is no other way to explain why players who have put in poor performances do not get dropped.
From afar it looks like this is Maguire’s last stand, because nobody doubts the club board won’t act if the NRL side is 0 and 7.
Judging by their terrible effort in losing 8-6 to the Gold Coast Titans last Thursday, there wouldn’t be a punter in the entire universe who would waste a dollar on the Wests Tigers to upset the Sharks.
Probably not even the guy who became the Wests Tigers 20,000th member this week.
If we’re wrong, Harrison Southgate, let us know.
Still, you’ve got to admire people like him who remain deeply loyal despite the club missing the NRL finals for a decade.
WESTS TIGERS:
- Daine Laurie
- David Nofoaluma
- James Roberts
4. Oliver Gildart
5. Ken Maumalo
6. Jock Madden
7. Luke Brooks
8. James Tamou (c)
9. Jacob Liddle
10. Zane Musgrove
11. Kelma Tuilagi
12. Luciano Leilua
13. Joe Ofahengaue
INTERCHANGE
14. Tyrone Peachey
15. Alexander Seyfarth
16. Luke Garner
17. Alex Twal
18. Starford To’A
