The Wests Tigers finished 13th last season but they were undoubtedly one of the worst teams in the competition, and the signs so far in 2022 have not been good.
A 26-16 loss to Melbourne last week was backed up by this awful 26-4 showing in Newcastle, where the Knights have run rampant.
Tigers coach Michael Maguire narrowly avoided being sacked last year.
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The club has not played NRL finals in a decade, and Maguire’s neck is well and truly on the line again.
“It’s always bubbling,” Nine’s Brad Fittler said of the Maguire contract speculation.
“They’ve got the Warriors next week, they’ve got the Titans, and then the Sharks. Three teams they would’ve said we’ll give ourselves a chance (to beat).
“I don’t think Round 2 is panic stations. We’ll see how they’re placed after Round 5.”
Phil Gould isn’t sure the Tigers’ woes can entirely be blamed on the coach.
“I don’t think there’s been any progression in the playing roster,” Gould said.
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“So I’m not sure what the coach has had to work with over and above what he had last year.
“I see energy here today. I’ve seen dumb stuff, some really dumb stuff. The Knights have just been better today.”