Reflection reveals Tigers’ true stripes

AFTER a disappointing loss to Cairns Brothers last weekend, Tully Tigers coach Aaron Tongalea kept the Steedens locked away in the equipment room, opting to spend much of the week doing some “soul searching”.

The move paid off handsomely with the Tigers putting in one of their best performances of the season at home in the Cassowary Coast derby against Innisfail. The Tigers won 16-10 on a drizzly Tully night with Phil Nona scoring two tries for the home team.

Tongalea said he wanted to “release some of the pressure” during the week, opting for long stretching sessions and tactical meetings, rather than burning his players out on the training paddock.

“We had a low-key preparation,” he said.

“It was really about recovery after the loss against Cairns Brothers. We did some soul searching as a group but I tried to keep them as relaxed as possible.

“Innisfail is another big team and a massive rival but I didn’t want to apply any unnecessary pressure. I didn’t want them to think about it as another ‘must win’ game.

“I just wanted them to go out and enjoy their footy.”

Teenager Marcus Nona played a key role in the Tigers forward pack with Pride allocation Jack Murphy outstanding in Tigers colours.

“Marcus is a very gifted, humble young boy and he played a full 80 minutes for us,” Tongalea said. “Jack’s a very experienced campaigner and he showcased why he’s playing for the Pride. It lifts the team when you get players like that coming back.”

Meanwhile on the Tablelands, Ivanhoes put in one of their best performances of the season to beat Mareeba Gladiators 30-14 at Davies Park.

“Jacob Wallace and Ali Henley were excellent,” Ivanhoes coach Stephen Chisholm said.

“Ali had a couple of reserve grade games and he came in as our run-on hooker. He worked really well with our big boys and set up a lot of our tries.”

Ivanhoes play Tully next Sunday at home.

“Hopefully, we catch them on an off-day,” Chisholm said.

“Having to travel up on a Sunday is hard for them.”