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Tigers look to atone in Leichhardt return

3 minute read

Wests Tigers will look to atone for a devastating round-five loss when they return to Leichhardt Oval to face NRL competition leaders Penrith.

Rabbitohs coach MICHAEL MAGUIRE.
Rabbitohs coach MICHAEL MAGUIRE. Picture: Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images

The last time Wests Tigers played at Leichhardt Oval the team was booed off the field at halftime, but there's nothing like sweet NRL redemption to get the crowd back on side.

Returning to their spiritual home on Friday night, the Tigers will be looking to atone for a round-five performance that had fans venting their frustrations.

At halftime against North Queensland, the Tigers trailed 28-6 in one of the more embarrassing performances in the club's history - a day that was meant to celebrate the life of club legend Tommy Raudonikis.

But in their return to the famous suburban ground against the undefeated Penrith, the Tigers hope to win the fans back.

"Our fans are very passionate. We're well aware of that," said coach Michael Maguire on Thursday.

"At Leichhardt and Campbelltown, we've got a number of grounds where our fans are quite spread, but when they come together they're very vocal and they love their team.

"We want to make sure we go out and perform."

The Panthers have made history with 12 straight NRL wins to start the season but will be missing seven players from the side to the State of Origin squads.

Sweetening the deal for the Tigers is the return of ex-coach Ivan Cleary, who has led the Panthers to the historic season start.

The Panthers have lost just one game in their past 30, but the Tigers are at the other end of the spectrum having not won back-to-back games since the start of last year.

However, Maguire believes the combinations have finally settled in the squad with Moses Mbye and Luke Brooks in the halves.

"Watching them train and understanding their roles and doing their jobs," he said.

"It's very simple when you simplify it the way we have, we just have to do it over and over.

"That's what the teams at the top have been able to do... we know we're facing a team who have been living in that space."

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