The Wests Tigers faced more than just a 20-16 loss in Gosford; they concluded the match missing both primary playmakers, prompting a significant question: how will their attack function without their top halves?
Throughout the game, the Tigers exhibited dominance in numerous aspects, controlling the tempo but struggling to translate that into scoring.
They recorded more runs, maintained increased possession, and spent considerable time in the opposition's territory, yet countless opportunities went unconverted.
At times, their performance appeared disorganized, perhaps too dependent on instinctual plays and 'eyes up' football, yet it still resonated with the strategy Coach Benji Marshall has been cultivating.
"A lot of good to take away from the game," Marshall remarked.
"We played the way we want to play and the way we practised in the pre-season."
This methodology emphasizes patience, which was evident early in the match.
The Tigers executed 26 tackles within the opponent's 20-meter line and managed to force seven repeat sets during the first half, all without registering any points.
Finally, the breakthrough arrived rapidly: 14 points were scored in the last four minutes of the half, highlighted by a contentious eight-point try awarded to Makasini after a high tackle by Latrell Mitchell.