Wests Tigers fans set to take protest action after diabolical start to 2023
A group of angry fans are reportedly planning to walk out of their next game against Parramatta.
Furious Wests Tigers fans are reportedly planning a protest during the club's next game against Parramatta, after a diabolical start to the NRL season. The Tigers were thumped 46-12 by the Broncos last week, consigning them to an 0-5 start for the second-straight year.
In an embarrassing slice of history, the Tigers are the first team since 1968 to start two consecutive seasons without a win in their first five games. As well as a plethora of on-field issues, the club has also endured a number of off-field dramas.
HUGE CALL: Jarryd Hayne could have Dally M medals taken away
BIG BACKFLIP: Payne Haas to become 'richest player in Broncos history'
CEO Justin Pascoe came under fire when he was spotted on the field before their game against the Broncos, as well as in the change-rooms at half-time. Fullback Daine Laurie was then slammed by fans for 'liking' a video showing Selwyn Cobbo scoring against the Tigers, which came after Laurie was dropped to reserve grade.
And it got even worse on Tuesday when fans and commentators noticed that the club's commemorative jersey for Anzac Day depicts American soldiers - rather than Aussie ones. Amidst all the drama, fans have clearly had enough.
A number of fans have set up the 'Wests Tigers Action Group' on Facebook, with Wide World of Sports reporting that protest action is in the works for the Easter Monday game at Accor Stadium. The report states that fans are "considering a variety of moves", with one being a walk-out during the game.
The group is also reportedly planning to stand and turn their backs to the field in the 11th minute - a reference to the fact the Tigers haven't made the finals in 11 years. The last time the joint venture played finals football came way back in 2011, when they finished fourth on the ladder before losing in the semi-finals.
The group's administrator Clint Schmeider told Wide World of Sports: "We have been poor in terms of results for over a decade and nothing seems to change. The fans have had enough...This isn't aimed at the players - it's the people who run the club who need to be held accountable. They are making the poor decisions and we fans suffer as a result."
Tim Sheens confident Tigers can turn things around
Speaking after their thrashing at the hands of the Broncos, coach Tim Sheens said he was confident things would turn around soon. "They are a quality group of guys, and they have got talent individually. We have just got to put the 17 individuals together and make sure it works," he said.
"That's my job...and as a coaching group we've got to put them together. Not pick them apart or get over-anxious about it because it is only going to make it worse for them. We have to wear a lot of this, and, in saying that, we've all got to work a lot harder - staff and players.
"These things can happen. Of course, the more you get beat the tougher it is to dig your way out of it, but we need to find a way and we will continue to work hard to do that. You get one win, you'll get two and maybe you are up and running." Tellingly, Sheens joked: “I hope we beat the bye in a couple of weeks.”
The coach has once again rung the changes for the clash against the Eels, with Adam Doueihi going back to five-eighth after two games at fullback. However Laurie is still on the outer, with Charlie Staines named at fullback in what will be the team's fourth spine change in as many weeks.
Sign up to our newsletter and score the biggest sport stories of the week.
