NRL legend Cameron Smith has slammed the Wests Tigers’ for their performance in their 26-4 Round 2 loss to Newcastle.
The Tigers were abysmal and lacked competitiveness at McDonald Jones Stadium, with under-fire coach Michael Maguire stating post-match that the performance was not of first-grade standard.
Smith questioned whether the Tigers got complacent after a much-improved performance against the Storm the previous week.
“They’ve got to find a way to be competitive,” Smith said on SEN 1170 Breakfast.
“Where was the fight, we had seen from Round 1?
“Did the players find it easier to get up for Round 1 because it’s Melbourne?
“Did they go up to Newcastle with a softer mental approach?
“They are in no position to be able to (be complacent).”
Matthew Johns was also scathing in his assessment of the Tigers’ performance.
Despite being only Round 2, the major concern for Johns is the inconsistency between games for the Tigers.
“Against Melbourne, no one gives them any sort of chance,” Johns said.
“They go out there and put in a good performance.
“And they can go out and serve that up (against Newcastle).
“For Round 2, there is no excuse and Tim Sheens has a big decision to make.”
The Tigers completed only 61 per cent of their sets and committed 18 errors, while they were equally as woeful in a defence with 36 missed tackles and a sin-bin to Tyrone Peachey.
Johns has questioned the leadership of the team and says the club lacks a unified voice.
“If you’re picking a five-man leadership group, what you’re saying is that you’ve got no leaders,” he said.
“It just doesn’t work.”
The Tigers will look to register their first win of the season against the winless Warriors on 25 March.