A “disappointed” Benji Marshall labelled the Tigers’ 24-12 loss to the Dragons their “worst performance of the season.”
The Tigers went into the clash in high spirits after a promising few weeks, winning two of their previous three games.
But it all came crashing down in front of a sold-out Campbelltown Stadium on Sunday as the Tigers struggled to find any momentum.
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“I thought that was probably our worst performance of the season,” a blunt Marshall told reporters post-game.
“I’ve talked about standards in every press conference and today we were probably the furthest away from the things we’ve talked out.”
Marshall believes the Tigers tried “chasing the soft way of winning instead of doing the hard yards to try and earn it” but is confident there’s “a good lesson” in the loss.
“We’re a team that’s still trying to figure out how we win and find our way through it. Today I thought we bumbled around a lot,” he said.
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“We practised all week how we wanted to play and we didn’t execute that so it just wasn’t good enough.
“When you want to play a physical style that’s direct you have to turn up every week with the right head space… I think we’re still understanding that it doesn’t just happen. You have to turn up and make it happen.
“We’re very disappointed because we know we’re better.”
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The Wests Tigers faithful came alive in the 14th minute when some Api Koroisau magic out of dummy-half set up Stefano Utoikamanu. But that was just about all the joy the loyal fans got.
It was meant to be a special day with the club not only celebrating members appreciation round but also honouring Balmain legend Keith Barnes, who sadly passed away earlier in the week.
Instead it was the Dragons fans that were more engaged in the match.
“You have to bring them into the game by playing with energy, being aggressive and making them feel like your team is trying,” Marshall said when asked about the strong turnout.
“I just felt like today it looked like it was St George’s home game the way they were playing. They had more energy and more intent than us.”
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