Wests Tigers NRL Head Coach Ivan Cleary gives the final word ahead of his side's Round 20 clash against the Parramatta Eels this Sunday afternoon at ANZ Stadium.
Despite a tough defeat against the Sea Eagles last week, Cleary said the team was remaining upbeat heading in to Sunday's game against the Eels with lots of lessons to be learned.
"We were certainly competitive, and have been against a few top four sides," he said.
"It's just the ending of the games and that's the difference to those top sides.
"Our game management in the second half last week is what won it for the Sea Eagles last week. But that's a good lesson and a really clear lesson in that against a good side for us."
Having lost Jacob Liddle to a shoulder injury last week, Cleary said it was fortunate to have a strong replacement in Matt McIlwrick ready to slot in to the hooking role.
"Jacob has had a great year and certainly has plenty of potential there," he said.
"But Matt's also had a really good year — he's played the most first-grade he has before.
"It's a good opportunity for him to fill this role again and he's pretty keen to get back in.
"I feel like our team is getting a bit of flow and rhythm in our game.
"We're still trying to find that 80-minute performance but we're definitely on the track.
"I'm really looking forward to this one."
See what Ivan Cleary had to say about this week's game in full in the video above!
Be there at ANZ Stadium on Sunday, July 23 when we take on the Parramatta Eels!
