Sheens plays down favourites tag

Wests Tigers coach Tim Sheens isn’t buying into the hype surrounding his team’s ‘favourites’ tag.

The Tigers cruised to trial victory over Parramatta at the weekend, with the new halfback combination of Benji Marshall and Tim Moltzen starring in a 20-12 triumph.

But suggestions the Tigers are favourites for the 2012 NRL premiership were ridiculed by Sheens, who was quick to play down their chances.

“To start talk about being premiership favourites at this time of year is ludicrous,” said Sheens.

“I’m just happy to get through this trial match okay.

“I understand the media love to do it, the fans have to do it, the bookies have to do it, but all I am worried about is next week’s trial.

“We are long way away from being a favourite to win a premiership and so is everyone else.”

The Tigers play a final trial match against the Roosters at Campbelltown next weekend before kicking off their NRL campaign against Cronulla on Sunday March 4.

Parramatta meanwhile, who were without Jarryd Hayne, Nathan Hindmarsh and Reni Maitua for the match, are expected to have halfback Chris Sandow available for Friday’s trial with Penrith.

Sandow has been cleared of concussion after suffering a head knock.