You never want to peak to early in NRL, those words will be ringing through the heads of Wests Tigers fans right about now. It’s something the Tigers know all too well, they seem to start most seasons with a bang – but somehow fall away as time progresses.

While coach Tim Sheens won’t be letting any concern show, there is no doubt Mr. Experience will be working around the clock to get his team back into the winners circle.

Up against the Roosters at Campbelltown, Wests were in the lead for 95% of this game. But a Todd Carney touchdown with minutes to go saw the visitors get the chocolates 12-8 and leave the Tigers licking their wounds.

While the Tigers had their injuries, so did the Roosters. Both sides didn’t have their regular halfbacks – the movement of Farah to the halves was a good one and nearly paid dividends – but despite an average game from whiz kid Carney, he did just enough to put the nail into the Tigers coffin.

The other concern for Wests remains the goal kicking. Benji Marshall remains hot and cold, as has been the case for some years – surely there must be an alternate option?

But on the flip-side, the Roosters have seen continued improvement in 2010 under Brian Smith. The Bondi boys look nothing like their former-selves, they have a renewed, dedicated defence – that is keeping them in most games and will continue to get better by the looks.

Everyone knows the X-Factor Todd Carney has brought to the Roosters. In modern day NRL, you need that X-Factor player to score points – most teams have one. A Benji Marshall, Jarryd Hayne, Greg Inglis or Brett Stewart.

But what about Nate Myles? The guy has been transformed. Amazing revival, playing out of his skin and continues to up his workrate.

Brian Smith has his haters, namely Phil Rothfield and Co. over at the Telegraph – but they should be printing some praise – as what Smith has done in such a short time is highly impressive.

In the other match yesterday, the Sea Eagles have seemingly established themselves as contenders this year – but the Bunnies, despite a glittering roster – remain inconsistent. Manly winning 30-22 over Souths.

The Eagles might still be struggling to close out games, they nearly got run down again by the fast finishing Souths side – but despite what many thought was a lacking roster, the Manly side have really come good with rookies Foran and Hodkinson. We’ve spoken about them and length, but what these kids have achieved in terms of combination, maturity and consistency in only a few short weeks is amazing.

What Souths wouldn’t give for a halves pairing like these kids?

Sutton and Sandow have potential, but they cannot find a crisp combination and have struggled for any consistency or strong kicking game.

Souths have an enviable forward pack, but they seem to only ‘switch on’ when panic sets in and the game is too far gone – and by then its usually too late.

The ‘freedom’ style of play allowed under John Lang might not be the answer for this side. If the Bunnies can’t find some mojo in the next few weeks – they might just miss the boat again this year.

By ricky

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