Six rounds in to the 2014 NRL season and things couldn't have gone all that much better for the Wests Tigers. Four wins from the opening six games have the Tigers sitting third on the table, seemingly punching above their weight.
"Punching above their weight" is a term worth considering when you take a look at the talent missing. In fact the injury numbers whilst not as bad as 2013....yet, do begin to be a cause for concern. Prior to Round 1 the club already had 3 long term injuries with Tim Moltzen, Dene Halatau and Curtis Sironen facing extended periods out of the game.
Just 6 weeks later that list contains a further 3 players set for long terms absences. Sausao Sue was first to go, looking at a Round 10/11 return from an ankle injury. The news though would get even worse with 2 crucial players in James Tedesco (9 weeks, ankle) and Robbie Farah (6 weeks elbow) added to the list. The good news is that Halatau, Sironen, Sue, Tedesco and Farah are all set to return between round 11-14 if all goes to plan.
What's remarkable is the fact we've won four of our first six matches so far. This time last year we'd lost four of our first six matches! Ultimately your start to the season can set the trend for the season, and whilst i don't believe we'll always be winning 4/6 as a ratio all season long, what it does tell us is that we're clearly a lot better than last season. A heck of a lot better!
This leads to the ultimate question. Can the Wests Tigers continue to find wins with such talent on the sideline?? Up until last weekend i would've said yes. With the forward pack playing the way they are, with Robbie Farah leading the team the way he was, it all looked possible. With Farah out though things look a little more questionable. Questionable but not impossible!
The focus now turns to others stepping in and filling the void. No. I'm not expecting Joel Luani to come out and mimic Robbie Farah's game and fill his shoes completely. Luani's job will be to play his own game. Attention will now turn to getting an extra 5% out of the likes of David Nofoaluma, Tim Simona, Chris Lawrence and Pat Richards. As solid as Braith Anasta has been this season, we now need an extra surge of quality out of him. The same goes for Luke Brooks who may just be asked to find a little extra.
The forward pack are doing a mighty job. I'm comfortable with what they're bringing to the table and do get the feeling they will lead from the front in the next few weeks, as they have so far this season. Right now though the litmus test is being provided. We have the talent. The question though is will we have the belief and confidence carry it out moving forward??
More importantly, do we as fans have the commitment to help our team through this? Our support is needed perhaps more than it's ever been this season. With a host of talent on the sideline injured we need to be that extra man, especially with home games. If we raise our voices then our Tigers will raise their game. This is how it's always been.
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