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WESTS Tigers coach Tim Sheens still believes a top-four finish is achievable for his pre-season premiership favourites.
Despite the fact the Tigers are clinging to eighth place - and follow tonight's tough road trip against North Queensland with a match against high-flying South Sydney on Sunday - Sheens said the Tigers can match it with any side in the NRL.
He is particularly relaxed about getting the two points against the Cowboys, who they have beaten in seven of their past eight clashes.
"We controlled them in the first game earlier this year, we have a great record against them up there, so we're not afraid to play the Cowboys," Sheens said.
"We need to work hard on limiting Johnathan Thurston and Matty Bowen's opportunities. They'll hurt us at some stage, but that doesn't mean they're going to beat us.
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"We know them pretty well. We have a game plan in place every time we play them and have confidence."
Sheens said the Tigers, who welcome the return of hard-hitting back-rower Gareth Ellis and the suspended Adam Blair tonight, are more than a realistic chance to finish in the top four, which guarantees a home final and no early exit in week one - unlike the McIntyre system.
"Nobody said we could win seven in a row, and we did," Sheens said.
"We've beaten every side in front of us, so we're not afraid of anyone.
"You only have to lose one or two games and suddenly you're not the 'real deal'. It's about the next seven games, not the next one or two.
"Maybe there are some sides behind us on the ladder who are looking at the eight, but if we win on Monday night, that puts us in as good a position as anyone to try and make the top four.
"The intensity of games will start to pick up, Origin players will start to find their feet in their own teams again, and we need to go with that intensity.
"There will be upsets galore in the next few rounds. Parramatta have had a change of coach and will take games off people. And now the (Luke) Lewis thing has relaxed at Penrith. They're a good side and will win a few games to finish off the season with nothing to lose."
Sheens said Ellis will need a few weeks to hit top gear, but the departing Englishman brings stability and a wonderful defensive game.
Such is the belief at the Tigers, young prop Aaron Woods told The Daily Telegraph last week: "There's a good feel around here. We're a confident club, and this is our time of the year - the end of the year."
Despite the fact the Tigers are clinging to eighth place - and follow tonight's tough road trip against North Queensland with a match against high-flying South Sydney on Sunday - Sheens said the Tigers can match it with any side in the NRL.
He is particularly relaxed about getting the two points against the Cowboys, who they have beaten in seven of their past eight clashes.
"We controlled them in the first game earlier this year, we have a great record against them up there, so we're not afraid to play the Cowboys," Sheens said.
"We need to work hard on limiting Johnathan Thurston and Matty Bowen's opportunities. They'll hurt us at some stage, but that doesn't mean they're going to beat us.
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"We know them pretty well. We have a game plan in place every time we play them and have confidence."
Sheens said the Tigers, who welcome the return of hard-hitting back-rower Gareth Ellis and the suspended Adam Blair tonight, are more than a realistic chance to finish in the top four, which guarantees a home final and no early exit in week one - unlike the McIntyre system.
"Nobody said we could win seven in a row, and we did," Sheens said.
"We've beaten every side in front of us, so we're not afraid of anyone.
"You only have to lose one or two games and suddenly you're not the 'real deal'. It's about the next seven games, not the next one or two.
"Maybe there are some sides behind us on the ladder who are looking at the eight, but if we win on Monday night, that puts us in as good a position as anyone to try and make the top four.
"The intensity of games will start to pick up, Origin players will start to find their feet in their own teams again, and we need to go with that intensity.
"There will be upsets galore in the next few rounds. Parramatta have had a change of coach and will take games off people. And now the (Luke) Lewis thing has relaxed at Penrith. They're a good side and will win a few games to finish off the season with nothing to lose."
Sheens said Ellis will need a few weeks to hit top gear, but the departing Englishman brings stability and a wonderful defensive game.
Such is the belief at the Tigers, young prop Aaron Woods told The Daily Telegraph last week: "There's a good feel around here. We're a confident club, and this is our time of the year - the end of the year."
