After a red-hot start to the Harrigan Cup defending premiers, Wests, find themselves searching for answers.
They dropped their opening game, then rattled off five straight wins before suffering three consecutive losses as they enter a crucial stretch of the season.
“To be honest, we haven’t been playing real good footy. The last three games, our second half hasn’t been good enough,” said Devils coach Peter McLeod.
McLeod cited last week’s 24-14 loss to Dapto as a perfect example after leading 10-0 after 25 minutes and 10-4 at halftime.
“Really poor execution of skill across the board. We’re just giving other teams too much.
“But to be honest, I thought Dapto were really good on the weekend in the second half. They were too good for us.
“We have to execute our skills better. We’re making too many unforced errors. We’re not defending our errors at the moment and we’re copping it on the scoreline.”
Experience Counts
The Devils boast a roster brimming with experience, including the majority of last year’s premiership-winning team, adding former Melbourne and Parramatta prop Tepai Moeroa (pictured) in the off-season.
“Tepai’s been a world-class player; he brings a lot of experience to the team, a lot of energy around the place. He’s been really good for us,” McLeod said.
McLeod puts his halfback, Dane Chisholm, in that same category.
“Dane’s a great fella to have around. Like all of us, he’ll be looking for a really good performance this week to try and get a result.”
Chisholm, who came through the Storm system, has played in the UK Super League and represented France on four occasions, echoed his coach’s sentiments about their recent slump.
“We’re turning the ball over too much and not playing our best footy,” Chisholm said.
“When we play our best footy, we’re hard to beat, but we haven’t been showing that enough lately.”
Despite the recent form dip, Chisholm says the mood in camp remains upbeat, and the squad is hungry to bounce back.
“The competition’s tougher than last year. Dapto’s improved, Corrimal’s playing well. It’s been good footy across the board,” Chisholm said.
“It’s been good to have tough games every week. The competition is definitely getting a lot stronger; every team is stepping up to the plate this year, which is good.”
Shining Light
One shining light for the Devils in recent weeks has been the debut of local junior Clay Baldock. Both McLeod and Chisholm praised the rising talent for his work ethic and professionalism.
“Clay’s been a part of the last two reserve grade grand finals, he’s been in town playing for the Dragons at the moment, but he’s been a Wests junior since he was six years old,” McLeod said.
“He got his debut the other week, and he’s doing a really good job in first grade.”
For Chisholm, 34, it’s been refreshing to see younger players like Baldock come through the ranks.
“He’s so keen to learn around me, he makes me feel a lot younger (laughs).
“He’s a really talented kid, and I’m enjoying playing with him.”
Chisholm has the same admiration for Moeroa, who is at the other end of the career spectrum.
“He’s awesome, He’s brought his professionalism up with him, everyone looks up to him,” Chisholm explains.
“If you watch our games, you’ll see how hard he works, how hard he hits, and how hard he runs.
It’s a massive signing for us. It’s really cool to play alongside him.”
Match Centre
Looking Ahead
Looking ahead, the Devils know they must step up with the finals just around the corner.
“We need to execute skill better,” McLeod explains.
“We’re making far too many errors and putting our defence under a lot of pressure, and the last few weeks we haven’t been good enough to defend it.
“The effort’s always there. They’re trying really hard, but just letting themselves down with some fundamental skills we need to improve.
“It’s a tough comp this year, Dapto, Corrimal, they’ve all strengthened, so nothing comes easy.”
“It’s anyone’s game every weekend. It will be interesting to see how the back end of the year plays out because the semi-finals are still up for grabs, and you’ve got to be good to be in them.
“You’ve got to play well every week to win. We’ve got to focus on playing well for the next few weeks to get a couple of wins.”
Second Chance
For Chisholm, the chance to continue playing at a high level is something he doesn’t take for granted.
“I’ve been lucky,” he said.
“I’ve had the chance to play all over the world, but to be back here with family around and still enjoying my footy, I’m really grateful.”
With experienced heads and young talent in the mix, the Devils remain a dangerous side.
But with the finals fast approaching, they’ll need to rediscover their early-season rhythm, and fast.
Words | Angelina Raula