The Tigers went down to the Dolphins in a clash filled with “adversity” but rookie coach Benji Marshall was still proud of his troops for proving they are up for the fight.
In his first season at the helm, the merger club have already beaten the Sharks and Eels in recent weeks and faced a tough assignment against a red-hot Dolphins side.
But despite Api Koroisau battling with a leg injury, Samuela Fainu and John Bateman leaving the field due to head knocks, the Tigers stuck to the task.
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Marshall was honest in his assessment of his team’s performance but hailed the Tigers “resilience” and ability to stay in the contest.
The Dolphins now sit outright leaders on the NRL ladder, while the Tigers took it to them only five rounds into a new campaign after back-to-back wooden spoons.
“I just spoke to the team about how resilient we are as a bunch,” Marshall said.
“We didn’t deserve to win no doubt, but at the same time given the adversity we faced throughout the game, to be fighting there at the end and give ourselves an opportunity to win.
“Was a big effort, so as a coach I’m really proud, of course we wanted to win no doubt.”
“Of course we could have played better, but there’s something you can’t coach and that’s what’s in there (heart).”
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Koroisau left the field late in the first half due to a leg injury but returned in the second and orchestrated a try for Alex Seyfarth.
Marshall revealed he was close to being ruled out pre-game, but Koroisau refused to leave his side stranded in a true showing of leadership.
“His leadership in our club is something that we are all lucky to have,” Marshall said.
“And he puts his body on the line every week and gives everything, he could have taken the easy option and not played today.
“He was very close, but he played for the boys.”
When asked if he’d be good to go in Round 6, Koroisau said: “went for a run and I felt something, but probably was just carrying on…. I think so, I think so”.
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