Cleary sees NRL fight in improving Tigers

Wests Tigers coach Ivan Cleary insists he has seen enough signs from his side over the past five weeks to know the club is on the improve.

The Tigers remain on track for their worst NRL season in the joint venture’s history after suffering their third straight defeat in Sunday’s heartbreaking one-point loss to Parramatta.

It was their 10th loss in 13 games since Cleary took over in April, and leaves them with just four wins so far this season – three short of their club-low record set in 2002-03 and 2013.

But Cleary believes there has been a noticeable upswing in form since their round 15 loss to Cronulla to suggest small steps are being taken towards being NRL-relevant again.

Over the past five weeks, The Tigers have battled in defeats to the Sharks, Gold Coast, Manly and the Eels, and distanced themselves from the wooden spoon with a win over Newcastle.

“I’ve been pretty happy the last four-five weeks” Cleary said after the loss to the Eels.

“We took top four teams Manly and Cronulla down the wire, both away from home, and took care of the game we had to win up there at Newcastle.

“A couple of other weeks, we’re close but not quite there. As long as we’re doing that and learning each time, I’m sure we’ll start getting more results.”

Cleary said he was satisfied with the way his men have been applying themselves in matches despite their finals hopes slipping away quickly during the year.

He urged the team’s young players – four players that played against the Eels are in their rookie season – to continue soaking up the first grade experience over the final six games of the year.

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