Balmain legend Benny Elias has put the blowtorch on the Tigers’ star recruits to believe in coach Tim Sheens’ plan and start executing it on the field.
Wide World of Sports reported Elias is in support of the coach and called on the players and in particular forward recruits Api Koroisau, Isaiah Papali’i, David Klemmer and John Bateman to start delivering Sheens’ tactics on the field.
“We’ve bought some very good players … those four players have come to the club and they’ve backed them,” Elias told Wide World of Sports.
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“It’s time these players mould together, and become one unit, it’s very frustrating not watching them play like that.”
The Tigers became the first team since 1969 to start back-to-back seasons with five straight losses and are on track for a second consecutive wooden spoon.
Elias admits there are often growing pains when new players come together, but believes the time has come for the standout individuals to start going in the same direction.
“You’ve got to pull together, we’ve got four different players, from four different backgrounds … it doesn’t work overnight but you need to invest in the coach and believe in what he has to offer,” Elias said.
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“They’re all professionals, I’m trying to make excuses for them but at the same time how long is a very good question – it’s as long as you want, it’s up to the player themselves.”
Sheens has come under fire for his coaching of the team, but Elias was quick to remind everyone that the Tigers have one of the greatest coaches of all-time at the helm who has delivered a premiership to the club.
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Elias backed Sheens to make the right selection calls and called on the players to accept his decisions to get the best team to win games of footy on the park each week.
“He’s very experienced at being the champion coach he has been, he’s up there with Jack Gibson and Wayne Bennett when you talk about legendary coaches, his experience and knowledge is second to none,” Elias said.
“I think players need to believe in Tim Sheens … it’s like trying to make a million dollars overnight, you’ve got to be patient and tactical and shrewd of the macro position of where we’re at.”
“You’ve got to believe in yourself, Sheens is loyal to the players and won’t make drastic changes, but players need to respect and reward the bloke doing the hard yards.”
The Tigers face the Eels on Easter Monday looking to avoid a sixth straight defeat to start the season.
