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Wests Tigers Head Coach Tim Sheens has defended criticism of second-rower Adam Blair, saying he is more than happy what the Kiwi international has produced at his new Club.
The former Storm forward was the Wests Tigers major signing for 2012 and has come under some unfair criticism according to Sheens.
“I think Adam is progressing really well. He is a second-rower, not a half-back. Some of the so called criticism are from people who really don’t know what they are talking about,’’ Sheens said.
“His defence has been great and his work rate is there. He is playing 80 minutes. He played busted two weeks back (with a cork) and wouldn’t stand down (despite the option).
“He is trying to do his best for the team and he has fitted in very well within the group. His ball skill ability will come to the fore more and more and I think he is just settling down. He has only played 6 games for the Club.
“Gareth Ellis was 12 months before he found his feet. I’m not asking anything from Blairy other than to do his job. So far I am happy with what we are seeing. He is not the issue in our football team at the moment.”
Meanwhile, Sheens says young prop Matt Groat is set to miss tomorrow’s match against Penrith at Centrebet Stadium after suffering concussion following a shoulder charge from Ben Te’o in last week’s loss to Brisbane.
“Medically he passed (his tests) but at this stage, he almost certainly won’t play,’’ he offered.
Sheens said Blair and forward Liam Fulton would cover for the loss of second-rower Chris Heighington who suffered a broken hand in the loss to Brisbane last Friday.
“I’m confident both boys have got 80 minutes in them and will play well for us on the edges. Matthew Bell is (also) looking forward to getting a start against his former Club,’’ Sheens said.
[http://www.weststigers.com.au/default.aspx?s=newsdisplay&id=53287&tim-sheens-happy-with-adam-blair's-form](http://www.weststigers.com.au/default.aspx?s=newsdisplay&id=53287&tim-sheens-happy-with-adam-blair%27s-form)
The former Storm forward was the Wests Tigers major signing for 2012 and has come under some unfair criticism according to Sheens.
“I think Adam is progressing really well. He is a second-rower, not a half-back. Some of the so called criticism are from people who really don’t know what they are talking about,’’ Sheens said.
“His defence has been great and his work rate is there. He is playing 80 minutes. He played busted two weeks back (with a cork) and wouldn’t stand down (despite the option).
“He is trying to do his best for the team and he has fitted in very well within the group. His ball skill ability will come to the fore more and more and I think he is just settling down. He has only played 6 games for the Club.
“Gareth Ellis was 12 months before he found his feet. I’m not asking anything from Blairy other than to do his job. So far I am happy with what we are seeing. He is not the issue in our football team at the moment.”
Meanwhile, Sheens says young prop Matt Groat is set to miss tomorrow’s match against Penrith at Centrebet Stadium after suffering concussion following a shoulder charge from Ben Te’o in last week’s loss to Brisbane.
“Medically he passed (his tests) but at this stage, he almost certainly won’t play,’’ he offered.
Sheens said Blair and forward Liam Fulton would cover for the loss of second-rower Chris Heighington who suffered a broken hand in the loss to Brisbane last Friday.
“I’m confident both boys have got 80 minutes in them and will play well for us on the edges. Matthew Bell is (also) looking forward to getting a start against his former Club,’’ Sheens said.
[http://www.weststigers.com.au/default.aspx?s=newsdisplay&id=53287&tim-sheens-happy-with-adam-blair's-form](http://www.weststigers.com.au/default.aspx?s=newsdisplay&id=53287&tim-sheens-happy-with-adam-blair%27s-form)
