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How to convert second halves into first halves

jirskyr
(@jirskyr)
Wests Magpies Harold Matts
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I think it's pretty obvious to point out, but for some reason Tigers have been extremely competitive in every second-half this year, but lose the match because of their first-half failures.

Rd 1 Titans we lost the second half 10-8 with a late try to them (final score 22-10)

Rd 2 Knights we won the second half 6-4 (final score 14-12)

Rd 3 Dogs we won the second half 16-6 (final score 26-22)

Rd 4 Storm we won the second half 6-2 (final score 24-12)

Rd 5 Broncos we lose the second half 18-12 (final score 46-12)

Rd 6 Eels we won the second half 16-10 (final score 28-22)

This means all season we are 26-for 110-against in the first half, but 64-for 50-against in the second half. We have not scored more than 6 points in any first half so far, including two try-less first halves, but we haven't score less than 6 points in any second half, with an average of 10.7.

So whilst it is very clear that Tigers are able to string together some football when they are behind, it's the bad first halves that cause us to lose, not only because of the deficit, but because we then cannot afford the inevitable second-half mistakes that curtail our fightback. It doesn't make sense however how our team can be more than twice as effective defensively simply based on a timepoint (i.e. let in less than half the points because it happens to be the second half).

There might be some obvious reasons - we perform better mentally when the chips are down (classic Tigers, particularly Sheens Tigers), we chase leads but don't defend leads, the oppositions tire out and we are actually a reasonably fit side. The last one is very interesting - if we are finishing over the top of most teams, even some good ones, that is a combination of a physical and mental ability to hang in the match; which begs the question why that willingness to tough a match out is almost non-existent in the first 40 minutes. It must surely only be a mental thing, if they can find the effort late in the game?

Watching the match, after that early glut of possession, I said to my friend (non-Tigers) - this would be typical Tigers to let Eels score on their first effort, after having all the ball. And sure enough, on cue it happens. Same with the Tupou regather and knock-on, to not be able to withstand any type of pressure or to maintain the pressure we've worked so hard to build, where a couple of crap grubbers and two passes to Sivo win the match.

I don't know what the solution is, but this shows me that it's almost all mental, which I know is an obvious thing to say, but it's not as if Tigers lack physical ability or talent. We just fall apart so easily under any pressure and undo all of our hard work; and I really mean that, I think the team works so hard and then lets themselves down with bad play. We seem to be desperate for a Wayne Bennett-type player whisperer, who can get these players believing in themselves and switched on from the first whistle.


   
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(@tiger5150)
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Posted by: @jirskyr

I think it's pretty obvious to point out, but for some reason Tigers have been extremely competitive in every second-half this year, but lose the match because of their first-half failures.

Rd 1 Titans we lost the second half 10-8 with a late try to them (final score 22-10)

Rd 2 Knights we won the second half 6-4 (final score 14-12)

Rd 3 Dogs we won the second half 16-6 (final score 26-22)

Rd 4 Storm we won the second half 6-2 (final score 24-12)

Rd 5 Broncos we lose the second half 18-12 (final score 46-12)

Rd 6 Eels we won the second half 16-10 (final score 28-22)

This means all season we are 26-for 110-against in the first half, but 64-for 50-against in the second half. We have not scored more than 6 points in any first half so far, including two try-less first halves, but we haven't score less than 6 points in any second half, with an average of 10.7.

So whilst it is very clear that Tigers are able to string together some football when they are behind, it's the bad first halves that cause us to lose, not only because of the deficit, but because we then cannot afford the inevitable second-half mistakes that curtail our fightback. It doesn't make sense however how our team can be more than twice as effective defensively simply based on a timepoint (i.e. let in less than half the points because it happens to be the second half).

There might be some obvious reasons - we perform better mentally when the chips are down (classic Tigers, particularly Sheens Tigers), we chase leads but don't defend leads, the oppositions tire out and we are actually a reasonably fit side. The last one is very interesting - if we are finishing over the top of most teams, even some good ones, that is a combination of a physical and mental ability to hang in the match; which begs the question why that willingness to tough a match out is almost non-existent in the first 40 minutes. It must surely only be a mental thing, if they can find the effort late in the game?

Watching the match, after that early glut of possession, I said to my friend (non-Tigers) - this would be typical Tigers to let Eels score on their first effort, after having all the ball. And sure enough, on cue it happens. Same with the Tupou regather and knock-on, to not be able to withstand any type of pressure or to maintain the pressure we've worked so hard to build, where a couple of crap grubbers and two passes to Sivo win the match.

I don't know what the solution is, but this shows me that it's almost all mental, which I know is an obvious thing to say, but it's not as if Tigers lack physical ability or talent. We just fall apart so easily under any pressure and undo all of our hard work; and I really mean that, I think the team works so hard and then lets themselves down with bad play. We seem to be desperate for a Wayne Bennett-type player whisperer, who can get these players believing in themselves and switched on from the first whistle.

 

because our forwards are doing an excellent job. Getting us in position early in a game and getting over the top of opposition pack late in the game. Parra we’re gassed yesterday because of our pack. We need to have halves that can convert early opportunities. Parra beat us by half time but didn’t run through us, their halfback found a way with his boot. 

 


   
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(@mac_tiger)
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Posted by: @jirskyr

We seem to be desperate for a Wayne Bennett-type player whisperer, who can get these players believing in themselves and switched on from the first whistle.

Bennett finishes with the Dolphins 2025 in favour of Woolf doesn't he? Maybe Benji and Wayne rekindle the romance down the road.  


   
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(@tigertownsfs)
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Posted by: @tiger5150

because our forwards are doing an excellent job. Getting us in position early in a game and getting over the top of opposition pack late in the game. Parra we’re gassed yesterday because of our pack. We need to have halves that can convert early opportunities. Parra beat us by half time but didn’t run through us, their halfback found a way with his boot. 

This is the promising part. Our forwards can compete through the whole game and have had plenty of time when they are actually on top. If we were actually able to our points on early then we should be able to keep rolling


   
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Crowsnest
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Posted by: @tigertownsfs

This is the promising part. Our forwards can compete through the whole game

We haven't seen the best from our pack imo, especially from our new boys. Pole for one is learning from them and will work well with Bateman and Api.

 


   
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Salty
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jirskyr
(@jirskyr)
Wests Magpies Harold Matts
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Posted by: @salty

Interesting analysis, have a read...

https://www.theroar.com.au/2023/04/12/the-wests-tigers-are-the-unluckiest-team-in-the-nrl-and-the-stats-prove-it/

Very interesting. That analysis would suggest that if Tigers keep plugging away, you would expect a run of wins to come just as the run of losses has occurred recently, i.e. it evens out.

It matches the other two stats where Tigers are a far far better prospect in every second half (so let's put two second halves together in one match!?) and where Tigers have the second-most total and most as a % of possession in the opposition red zone. These both mean we are able to get the ball down the other end, but the final execution is lacking (that's a confidence thing as much as anything) and we are brittle in defence when the opposition puts pressure on us (Parra with 11 tackles in our red zone last weekend for 5 tries). 

 


   
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(@dirty-reds)
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Posted by: @jirskyr

we are brittle in defence when the opposition puts pressure on us (Parra with 11 tackles in our red zone last weekend for 5 tries). 

This is just as concerning as the sputtering attack. 

Yes three tries were off kicks on Monday, but if you look at them all individually there are clear breakdowns from our end. As an example, have a look how far Moses is allowed to run on the Cartwright try, with no one coming close to engaging him. 

The two Sivo tries were also incredibly soft, particularly the second. Throw in the state of the game, and it's unforgivable. 


   
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The Last Ronin
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Posted by: @jirskyr

Tigers have the second-most total and most as a % of possession in the opposition red zone. These both mean we are able to get the ball down the other end, but the final execution is lacking (that's a confidence thing as much as anything)

It’s not just a confidence thing. Our plays in that zone and not up to NRL standard. It’s not just the halves, no one is really looking dangerous once we get there. We need big changes in that department 


   
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Crowsnest
(@crowsnest)
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Posted by: @dirty-reds

The two Sivo tries were also incredibly soft, particularly the second. Throw in the state of the game, and it's unforgivable. 

Agree. You would also think that the reserve grade side would put on a grandstand show being on television and with spots up for grabs in NRL.

It was sooooo bad and indicative of where we are at as a club. Neither side can score under pressure.

What's the go with other injuries sustained like Hill. Our club is so crappy at disseminating information to its fans.

A bit off topic here I'm sorry, but I found it interesting when I saw the Broncos has a Qscan Radiology Clinic right next door to their new training facilities at Redhill in Brisbane.

A very convenient way in getting promp diagnosis and reports from injuries that occur at training ir at Suncorp. (2 km away)

Maybe that could have been an option for our COE instead of Pascoe's barber shop. 


   
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Garry
(@garry)
Wests Tigers Development Player Admin
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Posted by: @crowsnest

Maybe that could have been an option for our COE instead of Pascoe's barber shop. 

The Barber Shop is literally a chair and a mirror, too much is made of it.

In memory of Geoff Chisholm (1965-2022)


   
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Salty
(@salty)
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Posted by: @jirskyr

Posted by: @salty

Interesting analysis, have a read...

https://www.theroar.com.au/2023/04/12/the-wests-tigers-are-the-unluckiest-team-in-the-nrl-and-the-stats-prove-it/

Very interesting. That analysis would suggest that if Tigers keep plugging away, you would expect a run of wins to come just as the run of losses has occurred recently, i.e. it evens out.

It matches the other two stats where Tigers are a far far better prospect in every second half (so let's put two second halves together in one match!?) and where Tigers have the second-most total and most as a % of possession in the opposition red zone. These both mean we are able to get the ball down the other end, but the final execution is lacking (that's a confidence thing as much as anything) and we are brittle in defence when the opposition puts pressure on us (Parra with 11 tackles in our red zone last weekend for 5 tries). 

Our pack is settling into it’s modus operandi, but the points about the weekly changes to the outside backs and spine (both forced and tinkering) is proving to be detrimental. It’s effecting the fluidity to execute sharp, fast moving plays and trick shots in the red zone, the changes also affects defensive cohesion. The left edge had success last week but we’ve now loss Doueihi and Naden on our right edge and another new combo is needed.

 


   
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Crowsnest
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Posted by: @garry

The Barber Shop is literally a chair and a mirror, too much is made of it.

Just jokin Garry. The broncos have set-up their training field and facilities well but I haven't seen inside tbh. It's across the road from the league's club so everything is central.

I must come down the Sydney one day and have a peak at the COE.

 


   
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