Tigers coach Michael Maguire conceded after his side’s loss to the Melbourne Storm that it was one that got away.
“There’s no excuse for the second half, we’ll definitely wear that one,” he said.
“We definitely found the way we wanted to play in the first half, and second half we just made it hard for ourselves.”
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The Tigers led 14-6 early in the second half, but were run down by a gallant Melbourne Storm, who played with 15 players for the majority of the match.
“The drop balls and completion rates always compound pressure, and unfortunately we had a couple of tries there that we’ll definitely have a look at,” Maguire said.
The 2014 grand final winner said the style of the first 40 minutes was very pleasing.
“We actually played some football, we played some good passages of play and we were able to kick to the corners – and it’s being able to do that for an 80 minute period. If the boys can get that right, we’ll be very strong.”
It was the first game for the combination of Luke Brooks and Jackson Hastings, with both showing moments of promise, along with fullback Daine Laurie.
The more time they spend together, they’re going to be really strong,” Maguire said.
“We had a number of opportunities there in the first half where we could have probably put a little bit more on the scoreboard, but those are the things that will come with time.”
The Storm continued their staggering round one winning streak with the victory, and will look to continue another shocking stat next week when they host South Sydney, who have never won in Melbourne.
The Tigers will play the Knights, who upset the Roosters earlier today.