Last night's absorbing encounter with South Sydney may've ended in yet another defeat for Wests Tigers but the manner of defeat was arguably one for promise. The Tigers may've squandered an 18-0 lead in what was a golden chance to upset a title heavyweight. In truth though the 18 point head start was never going to be enough to win. For the record, Souths composed themselves and their strength, confidence and class shone through as they eventually sealed an admirable comeback victory when Nathan Merritt crossed with a little over 7 minutes remaining.
For the Tigers, their efforts were worth applauding. They showed confidence and troubled the Rabbitohs early on. James Tedesco was like a snake slivering through the bushes. Ever present and dangerous. Benji Marshall probed and poked at the Souths defensive line, to some success too, as he set up Tim Simona for the game's first try. For the second week running Marshall found some success in just getting in there and running the football. Braith Anasta, Robbie Farah and Liam Fulton directed the troops in the same direction and for a while Souths found themselves not only chasing the game but being pressured into mistakes and poor options.
A class side cannot be kept down for long though. Souths eventually gained control and with it the points came as they eventually finished the Tigers with little over 4 minutes left to play. The Tigers will be disappointed they couldn't find one more try. Had they, perhaps they go on and win the game. It wasn't through lack of trying but more so down to Souths ability to control the game and keep it tight defensively.
So what will the Tigers take out of the game? Forget the scores, forget the bunnies and just focus on the Tigers for a moment. Well first, they pushed Souths into a vulnerable position. They also wrestled with the bunnies for a good hour of the game before they lost their momentum for good. Perhaps though the biggest thing they'll take from the game is in just how far this side has come. Rewind back to early May, in round 10, Souths crushed the Tigers 54-10. The contest in that fixture was non existent. It was embarrassing! However on this late August night many of those same players got their return shot at the bunnies and proved how far they've come since that initial game.
James Tedesco was perhaps the best example. Perhaps the best player on the field last night after Issac Luke, Tedesco's game has come along way since that round 10 meeting. He was superb! The effectiveness of David Nofoaluma on the wing was hard to not be impressed by. Some of his work in getting the Tigers out of trouble was commendable Curtis Sironen's effort in the back row against a monster pack only backed up his potential. These Tigers tried hard and matched their opponents in most departments. Only the class, confidence and experience of this Souths side went beyond the best the Tigers could offer. The Tigers though were admirable in defeat.
Last night wasn't so much about gaining revenge. Last night was a chance to prove to the league world that the Wests Tigers are better than the rap they're being given. It's safe to say that the dark days of early May are now well and truly behind us and that better days lie ahead. Yep, there's light at the end of this tunnel!
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