The Tigers are trending in a positive direction under Benji Marshall, but face their second harsh reality check in as many weeks when they have a team full of “X-factor”.
Under Marshall, the merger club have improved, unearthing young star Lachlan Galvin while halfback Aidan Sezer has been impressive since returning to the NRL.
With pressure on his shoulder to deliver, the club’s rookie coach masterminded a huge win over the Sharks in Round 3 before backing it up to beat the Eels.
Since that pair of wins, the Tigers have gone down to the Dolphins, Dragons and ultimately the Panthers, who have won the last three NRL premierships.
Their performance in that clash was an effort to be proud of, keeping one of rugby league’s most dangerous teams ever to 22 points.
Rugby league legend Braith Anasta was impressed with the way the Tigers “held their hands up” and were happy to take the fight to an NRL heavyweight.
“Tigers have improved, which is what, I suppose as a fan, that’s all you can really ask for, Benji had a little pressure on him,” Anasta said.
“If you look at their roster for that first game, you wouldn’t expect them to be in the top eight.
“So to perform the way that they have and show the resolve that they have, their defence has been solid.
“Even against Penrith last week, they held their hands up and competed and were in the game for a long time.
“Galvin coming back, they missed him, he was their best player there for a few weeks along with Koroisau. They are doing really well.”
However, the Panthers were without their best player in Nathan Cleary and were also missing strike centre Taylan May.
This week, they face an equal if not tougher test when they come up against the Broncos who have welcomed back a wave of troops.
