WEST Tigers head coach Shane Sultana has warned that the Kaiviti Silktails remain a dangerous side despite their 32-14 defeat in Round 23 of the Jersey Flegg Cup competition at Churchill Park in Lautoka on Saturday.
The Tigers secured the victory, but Sultana said playing against a Fijian side in Fiji was never an easy assignment, particularly because of the physicality, weather and unpredictable style of play.
“We knew what to expect. The common word we use when we come over here is that the game is going to be brutal,” Sultana said.
“Brutal in contact, brutal weather, brutal environment. The Fijian team, they don’t give up. They don’t go away. They just play ad-lib football and play with a lot of opportunity, and that made it hard for us.”
Sultana said the Tigers had to be disciplined with their field position because the Silktails could punish them if given opportunities in attacking areas.
“One thing I stress to the boys is when you play Fiji, you have to make them start football down that end. You cannot let them start up here. If you start them up here, they’re going to hurt you all day,” he said.
Despite the result, Sultana praised the Silktails, saying their position on the competition ladder did not reflect their ability.
Noah Rauluni on attack for the Kaiviti Silktails against West Tigers during their rugby league clash at Churchill Park in Lautoka. Picture: BALJEET SINGH
Noah Rauluni on attack for Kaiviti Silktails against West Tigers during their rugby league clash at Churchill Park in Lautoka. Picture: BALJEET SINGH
