Leichhardt learning paves the way

They say a week is a long time in NRL football, so the two weeks between games for Wests Tigers must surely feel like an enternity! It seems most people agreed that the forced break in our season has come at a good time. Back to back physical, gritty games of football versus the Eels and the Titans had the Tigers feeling a little worse for wear. To make matters worse the injury toll was growing too and others were carrying minor issues. So a break was much needed.

Fast forward to today and the Tigers injury situation hasn't improved but the general feeling coming out of the club this week was that the week off had allowed the boys to freshen up and get ready for a big challenge versus the Sydney Roosters tomorrow night. It's also given the boys and indeed the coaching staff the chance to perhaps analyze what went wrong at Leichhardt Oval versus the Titans.

I don't think we were far off the pace back in Round 8, however you only have to be off your game a little and it can have a devastating effect. The Titans were well and truly up for the game and we were no match for them. For the second week in a row our attack was ineffective without the presence of Robbie Farah. There's no doubt the combinations in attack are being re-evaluated.

With James Tedesco and Robbie Farah out the attack has had to reassemble itself. It appeared versus the Titans that there was an designed effort to get Kurtis Rowe involved more in attack and he needs to so. At hooker Joel Luani, like Rowe, is still finding his way in the NRL. He's no Robbie but he can still do a job for the team.

Blake Austin has shown spark in each game he has played this season so far and the chance to play 80 minutes versus the Roosters should be a massive plus for both he and the team. Austin is a guy who feels ready to take his chance and the side needs him to do so. Luke Brooks will need his support on Friday night. Austin may well be the key figure this week for Tigers.

With Braith Anasta also out, someone needs to take the bull by the horns and lead our attack. Brooks has the ability but not yet the confidence to do so. Austin for me is that man. He's been around first grade football long enough to know what to do. His direction will be vital. Without someone leading the way, i fail to see how we can compete on Friday night. This situation calls for brave hearts and cool heads.